Obituary of Joel Saldana

Joel passed away on January 22, 2021 at Hazel Hawkins Hospital having his family by his side at the age of 38. Joel Jr. was born in San Jose, California on November 25, 1982, the first child of three children of Joel Sr. and Alicia Saldana. He attended elementary school, middle school and high school in San Jose, California. After graduating high school he enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a military police. After serving his country, he became a deputy for San Joaquin County. He then enrolled at the College of Industrial Repairs and began working at Sears, Meyer Appliance, moving on to become a Service Tech for General Electric for 5 years. In April 2019 he realized his dream of becoming an IBEW Inside Wireman when he was accepted into IBEW Local 332's apprenticeship program. Joel was described by his loved ones as a hardworking man. Most recently Joel was working for McMillan Electric and enjoyed his new trade. He was very proud to be an IBEW member. He met his wife Maritza Bautista in January 2013 and they married on July 14, 2017. They had one daughter named Alyssa. They both worked hard to provide for each other and their daughter. They moved to Hollister in 2018 because it was half way for each other’s birthplace and it was a nice town to raise their daughter. Joel was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed fishing with his friends, cousins, and coworkers, especially in the ocean and would do so every time he had an opportunity. He loved to fish for sturgeon, lingcod, strippers, rockfish and many more. Joel was a kind hearted guy who would do anything for his family and friends. He was always willing to help out anyone. He would make his family laugh and he would play pranks on loved ones, it was his way of showing love. He loved his mom and dad dearly. He loved and cared for both his wife and daughter. He liked his family very much- especially his cousins and grandparents. He was well rounded, smart, funny, and down to earth. He left quite a legacy full of great memories and a family that will always appreciate all that he has done for so many and will love and miss him forever. He was the best dad to his daughter, a great son, a loving husband, and a reliable cousin or friend. He leaves behind beautiful memories that will always remain in our hearts. Visitation will be on Sunday, January 31th, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the recitation of the Rosary at 3:00 p.m. ***** Covid rules will apply ***** On Monday, February 1st, family and friends will meet at St Benedict Church at 11:00 a.m. for a Mass of the Resurrection. Joel falleció el 22 de enero de 2021 en el Hospital Hazel Hawkins con su familia a su lado a la edad de 38 años. Joel Jr. nació en San José, California el 25 de noviembre de 1982, el primer hijo de tres hijos de Joel Sr. y Alicia Saldana. Asistió a la escuela primaria, secundaria y preparatoria en San José, California. Después de graduarse de la escuela secundaria se alistó en el ejército de los Estados Unidos, donde se desempeñó como policía militar. Después de servir a su país, se convirtió en diputado del condado de San Joaquín. Luego se inscribió en la Facultad de Reparaciones Industriales y comenzó a trabajar en Sears, Meyer Appliance, pasando a convertirse en técnico de servicio de General Electric durante 5 años En abril de 2019, realizó su sueño de convertirse en IBEW Inside Wireman cuando fue aceptado en el programa de aprendizaje de IBEW Local 332. Joel fue descrito por sus seres queridos como un hombre trabajador. Más recientemente, Joel estaba trabajando para McMillan Electric y disfrutó de su nuevo oficio. Estaba muy orgulloso de ser miembro de IBEW. Conoció a su esposa Maritza Bautista en enero de 2013 y se casaron el 14 de julio de 2017. Tuvieron una hija llamada Alyssa. Ambos trabajaron duro para mantenerse el uno al otro y para su hija. Se mudaron a Hollister en 2018 porque estaba a medio camino del lugar de nacimiento del otro y era una ciudad agradable para criar a su hija. Joel era un ávido pescador. Disfrutaba pescar con sus amigos, primos y compañeros de trabajo, especialmente en el océano y lo hacía cada vez que tenía la oportunidad. Le encantaba pescar esturiones, cocodrilos, strippers, peces de roca y muchos más. Joel era un tipo de buen corazón que haría cualquier cosa por su familia y amigos. Siempre estuvo dispuesto a ayudar a cualquiera. Hacía reír a su familia y gastaba bromas a sus seres queridos. Era su forma de mostrar amor. Amaba mucho a su mamá y a su papá. Amaba y cuidaba tanto a su esposa como a su hija. Le gustaba mucho su familia, especialmente sus primos y abuelos. Era completo, inteligente, divertido y con los pies en la tierra.