Amado E. Salinas, Jr.

Amado E. Salinas of Harlingen, Texas entered eternal rest on October 29, 2025. Amado was born in Oilton, Texas on October 16, 1941; living his childhood years in Laredo, San Diego, Alice, and Kingsville where he graduated in 1959 from King High School. Upon high school graduation, he attended Texas A&I in Kingsville Texas for one year then enlisted and served in the United States Army as a medical technologist – receiving the National Defense Service Medal during his service and was honorably discharged as a sergeant after serving 12 years. After his service and during his family life, he continued his education graduating from St. Mary’s University at San Antonio with a bachelor’s degree of Engineering Science and then finally receiving his master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas - Pan American in 1993. On September 5, 1964, He was united in holy matrimony to his high school sweetheart, Gloria G. Esquivel, in San Diego, California at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and they shared 55 years of loving marriage until her passing. During their lifetime together they raised three children (Marcus, Melissa, and Monica) and saw two grandchildren (Salinger and Rowan) enter their lives. Amado and his family lived in several cities during their time together – San Diego (CA), San Antonio, Raymondville, and finally settling in Harlingen, as empty nesters. Amado’s education led him to work to ensure that individuals had viable water and proper sewage solutions. He began his career with the San Antonio City Water Board, as a staff engineer and ultimately being promoted to Director of Water Meters in 1977. He then moved his family to Raymondville to become Director of Public Works for 25 years – improving city services to all. He was then recruited to be the General Manager of the Military Highway Water Corporation bringing in millions of dollars of grants for water improvements to the Rio Grande Valley region – and after 22 years retired in 2014. During all of his years of service with each of these entities – Amado received many recognitions of leadership and community involvement from both national and Texas water organizations for himself and those entities which showcased their commitment to ensuring the mission of viable drinking water for everyone. During his lifetime, Amado was heavily involved in community work for the youth and faithful. While in San Antonio, Amado supported and worked with the Catholic Youth Organization being selected as a coach for youth sports. Upon his move to Raymondville, he continued coaching with the Little League Baseball program for over 25 years. Coaching over hundreds of young men – even to the extent of coaching sons of previous players. Amado became involved in the Knights of Columbus while in San Antonio, and the Lions Club when he moved to Raymondville. This gave him the opportunity to work within these organizations, creating a fellowship with others. Amado was also involved in faithful service at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Raymondville and Our Lady of Assumption Church in Harlingen. Amado was a CCD teacher and sponsor for over 5 years; served as an advisor on the Parrish council for several terms and was an acolyte during holy communion at his time at the Our Lady of Guadalupe. His faithful service at the Lady of Assumption involved supporting the Jamaicas church festivals and prayer groups both as a mentor and member. Throughout his life Amado loved to travel and experience local culture and cuisine. From visiting his favorite spots within Spain and having the opportunity to walk El Camino De Santiago pilgrimage and seeing the many Semana Santa parades. With every visit to Italy – there was a stop to the Vatican to see Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, The Pieta statue or just waiting for the St Peter’s Basilica’s Century Doors to open and even visiting the Holy Land in Jerusalem – all of this done to re-energize his spiritual faith. He visited the Aztec and Mayan ruins of Mexico, viewed clouds over Machu Picchu, balanced an egg along the equator in Quinto, danced the tango in Buenos Aires, and tanned at Rio’s Ipanema beach. He had the opportunity to visit 5 of the 7 continents – from the streets of London to the parks in Paris, from the clock tower in Prague to the Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg, from the Acropolis in Athens to the markets in Morocco, from Vienna’s concert halls to the tapas bars in Barcelona, from the Rum runners in the Caribbean Islands to the Knights Templars’ castle in Malta, from the whale watching in Alaska to Hawaii’s black sand beaches and also seeing Mount Fuji in Tokyo. He did it. With all his travels – domestic and abroad – Amado – observed, listened, and learned. Understanding that he had a small part in this world but a big part in people’s lives. But even with all of this – he stopped to ensure that he spent quality time with all of his immediate and extended family. He is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Esquivel Salinas, his parents – Amado E Salinas, Sr., and Flora Coronado and one sister Rosalinda Salinas Harn. He is survived in death by his children, Marcus Salinas, Melissa Salinas, Monica Kaul, by his grandchildren, Salinger Kaul and Rowan Kaul, as well as, his two sons-in-law, Nickolas Robinson, and Richard Kaul. He is also survived in death by his sisters, Juanita (Janie) Leal, Mary Irene Frisina, and Major General United States Marine Corp - retired Angela (Angie) Salinas. Lastly, he is also survived in death by over 45 extended family members, as well as many friends from his life. There will a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 7,2025 at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Harlingen. Visitation will be held after the Mass at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace in Harlingen from 12:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Visitation will continue Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 9:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace in Harlingen. The funeral will depart at 1:30 PM for a 2:00 PM burial at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in La Feria, Texas. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen.

Amado E. Salinas, Jr.

October 16, 1941 - October 29, 2025

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