Obituary of Salvador H Escamilla

Salvador Heriberto Escamilla came to Hollister from Mexicali in 1963 with his loving wife, Gloria, and their 4 children. Sal was blessed to live to the age of 98, but he would tell you he was 98-teen.

Sal was a hard worker and led by example. Work smarter not harder he would say. In the early years after moving to California, he worked for a short time at a chicken ranch before starting work at Rizzuto’s Shoes then moving on to The Wardrobe in downtown Hollister. On the weekends, he would sell clothing to the laborers at the labor camps as the workers could not shop during the week. Sal worked in the shoe department with Earl Hatton, but worked all departments of the store, including the tailor shop. When the store was purchased by Dick Bruhn, he continued to work at the store as a Manager until his retirement. He also painted signs for K&S Market, Casa de Fruta, and many other businesses in his spare time to help his household. Sal could also be heard on the now defunct Hollister Spanish Radio Station, KMPG, announcing the specials at Dick Bruhn. He was known on the airwaves as “El Loco Salvador” and was also a member of the local Toastmasters. Sal worked 7 days a week but enjoyed barbecuing his wonderful chicken for the family on Sunday afternoons.

Sal is survived by his daughter, Ana Gloria Ruiz, his sons, Salvador Jr. (Gayle), and Eddie (Teri), and daughter-in-law, Renee Escamilla. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Gloria, son, Carlos, and son-in-law, Jesus Ruiz. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his longtime companion, Adeline Rossi.

Funeral services will be held at a later time.