Oscar "Pancho" Salazar Cervantes, age 66, of Llano New Mexico, passed away on June 17, 2026 in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Oscar was born August 21, 1960 in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. He lived most of his life in Hawthorne, California, USA. He was a hardworking person who attended ITT Technical Institute of Technology where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. He worked as a Computer Systems Analyst for the Los Angeles Public Library in Los Angeles, California. He loved listening to his favorite music on the weekends while he grilled his favorite family meal: tri tip steak with rice, salsa, and extra spicy chiltepines. He enjoyed reading, working on computers, exploring ethnically diverse food, and spending time with loved ones. One of his favorite achievements was that he ensured his daughter, Cande, understood and appreciated the importance of math by tutoring her every day in her homework.

He will be remembered for his enjoyment of sports, his dedication to his career and education, and his love of math and science.

He is preceded in his death by his parents Margarita Salazar Cervantes and Pedro Cervantes. His brothers Pedro Cervantes II and Jesús Cervantes.

He is survived by his companion, Yolanda Miera, his daughter, Candelaria Navarro (Jesse), and his furry companion, Duke. His sisters, Alicia Cervantes, Elena Placencia Cervantes, Teresa Lee, Angela Alvarez, Francisca "Panchita" Cervantes; and many nieces and nephews.

Though he will be deeply missed, his family rejoices in the assurance that he is now at peace in the presence of his Savior.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who expressed love and support during this difficult time.

The rosary will be held at 1:30pm and the mass will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday July 18, 2026 at The Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 272 Rodriguez St., Nogales, Arizona 85621.

The family of Oscar "Pancho" Cervantes has entrusted the care of their loved one to French Funerals and Cremation of Rio Rancho, New Mexico (505) 338-2000.