The family of Joseph Aaron Salazar, age 26, regretfully announced that he passed away on March 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable kindness. Born on July 18, 1999, Joseph lived life fully and fearlessly, embracing every moment with a contagious joy that touched everyone around him. From the very beginning, Joseph was a blessing beyond measure. As his mother shares, he was her joy, her strength, and one of her greatest gifts, a bond made even more special as he was born on her birthday. Their connection was unbreakable, built on love, shared experiences, and countless memories together.

Joseph shared a lot of passions. As a DJ, he found joy behind the turntables, bringing people together through rhythm, energy, and connection. His love for music, combined with his vibrant personality, allowed him to touch countless lives. Whether he was DJing, playing softball or basketball, fishing outdoors with his father, traveling with his mother to meet the Pittsburgh Steelers, or enjoying video games with friends and brothers, Joseph lived with creativity, excitement, and heart.

Joseph had a remarkable gift, he could turn strangers into friends. His smile could brighten even the darkest days, and his presence brought warmth and comfort to everyone around him. His spirit was kind, loving, and unforgettable. He was an excellent son and shared a close, unbreakable bond with his brothers and sisters. His heart was kind, his energy contagious, and his presence brought joy wherever he went.

Above all, Joseph was a devoted and loving father to his beautiful daughter, Joelynn Salazar, the light of his life. She was his world, his pride, and his greatest joy. The love he had for her was deep, pure, and unbreakable, a bond that will live on forever.

Joseph is survived by his daughter Joelynn; his father Kenneth Salazar and wife Yvonne; his mother Lori Martinez and husband Michael; his brothers Kenny Salazar and wife Lisa, Gabriel Salazar and wife Mariah, Kendrick Josh Salazar and wife Brandi; and his stepsisters Victoria Elwell and Erica Elwell. He was a proud and loving uncle to Emery, Riley, Silas, Gianna, Titus, and Lilliana, who brought immense joy to his life. He also leaves behind an extended family and a wide circle of friends whom he loved deeply and considered family.

Joseph taught those around him the true meaning of unconditional love. His laughter, his voice, and the way he lived and loved will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him. Though his time here feels far too short, the impact he made will last a lifetime.

As a family, we will forever hold Joseph in our hearts. Not a day will pass that we will not think of him, love him, and miss him beyond words. While we grieve his loss, we are deeply grateful for every moment we were given with him. We find comfort in knowing he is at peace, surrounded by love, and watching over all of us.

Pallbearers: Kenny Salazar, Gabriel Salazar, Kendrick Josh Salazar, Adrian Gomez, Terry Smith, and Joshua Salazar.

Memorial services for Joseph will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at French Mortuary, 9300 Golf Course Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107.

Rest in peace, our beautiful son, father, brother, uncle, and beloved friend.

You are forever loved, forever missed, and forever a part of our lives.

A Mother's Tribute to Her Son

Joseph was a bright and shining star. He had a way of bringing joy into every room he walked into. He loved being a DJ - his music was his passion, and making people happy was his gift. Whether it was a special event or even my own wedding, where he was the DJ and proudly walked me down the aisle, Joseph gave his whole heart to every moment. He loved sports, jet skiing, and traveling with me many places. We shared so many beautiful memories together - trips to the Dominican Republic, Acapulco, New York, Kansas City, Florida, California, Neveda and Pennsylvania. We even went on cruises together, moments I will cherish forever. One of the most exciting memories was when we traveled to Pittsburgh and He got to meet the Pittsburgh Steelers at just 14 years old. That day meant everything to him. From then on, he cheered them on every year, and we even went to see them play an NFL game in Las Vegas. Joseph never lost that excitement - it stayed with him his whole life. But more than anything, Joseph loved beyond measure. He always called me "Mama", and I called him my gift because he truly was. He was born on my birthday and from that day on, I knew he was someone special. He was my baby boy out of four beautiful sons. We had an unbreakable bond full of love, laughter, and memories that will live in my heart forever. I remember one special moment on a trip after Jet Skiing in Laughlin, I played the song on our way home "The Lights of Albuquerque" and later Joseph dedicated that song to me on Facebook calling me "a diamond in the desert". That's who he was loving, thoughtful and full of heart, and the love he had for his baby girl Joelynn, it was beautiful. He loved spending time with her, buying her gifts, taking her places, making her smile and making sure she always knew how much she was loved. She was his world. Joseph my son my heart, you will always be with me. You were my birthday gift, a true blessing. Thank you Joseph for every moment, every laugh, every memory I will cherish. I Love You son with ALL my heart and soul. I miss you and I will carry you with me forever. I now know that you are my guardian Angel, in Heaven. Jesus has given me that comfort. I am blessed. Until we meet again, I will forever think of you, and I will never let your memory go. My Angel, I Love you always and forever. Your Mama, Lori Ann.

The bible reminds us in John 3:16 that for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Heaven is not promised so give your heart to Jesus so you can be with him in eternity.