Salvador Aguilar, Jr.

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Salvador Aguilar, Jr., 71 years old of Griffith, who was never one to run from a fight for a worthy cause fought his last battle on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023 at the University of Chicago Medical Center. With the help of Salvador’s beloved wife of 44 years Maria (Chavez) Aguilar and devoted sister-in-law Linda Jalouga, he fought tirelessly and bravely after receiving a lung transplant. He is survived by his loving son, Salvador (fiancé Belinda Quinn Ortiz) Aguilar III; “Princes” Olivia Rose Aguilar (granddaughter) (Olivia’s mother Jillian Aguilar), Godfather of Zeus Perales, Jacqui Chavez and “Chava” Aguilar; dearest brother to Teresa Cabello, Guadalupe (Nieves) Alcazar, Jesus Aguilar and Luis (Cynthia) Aguilar and Esther Gomez (Rodrigo); dearest uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Salvador Jr, was born October 8th, 1952 in East Chicago, Indiana to Salvador, Sr. and Rose Aguilar (Sanchez). He graduated from East Chicago Washington High, Class of 1970, and shortly after went to work for Inland Steel. With a strong passion for equality and human rights, Salvador quickly became involved with the steelworkers local 1010 union. A natural-born leader, blessed with the courage to speak up for others, he quickly rose through the ranks and titles of multiple union organizations. Salvador's lifelong dedication to civil rights led him and his family across the country and eventually to a seat at the table with one of his heroes, civil rights leader Cesar Chavez. Possessing knowledge of multiple languages, Salvador secured a position as Assistant Director of International Steel Workers of America. His skills and humble talents for negotiating were able to be utilized at an international level for all workers' and immigrants' rights in both North and South America. He was truly union through and through. Having marched in cities spanning from the heart of Mexico to the cities of Montreal, Salvador retired at the early age of 60. In the last chapter of his life, he was a devoted grandfather attending dance recitals and softball games galore. He was considered to be the “General” of his loving family.  Sal was often looked to for help and insight. He was always willing to not only help but to explain the whys and hows. There was no task too small or too big he wasn’t willing to tackle. He was your guy, and if there wasn’t a way, he would make a way. Never one to shy away from a challenge, he was someone you could always depend on. Dad to one, father to all, and mentor to many, he will truly be missed. 

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 15, 2023, with a Mass of  Christian Burial being offered at 10:00am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 3510 Deoder Street, East Chicago; cremation to follow. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th Street, Whiting, IN. Expressions of sympathy may be placed online at www.baranfh.com

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