Tributes

George G. Saldaña Sr. June 9, 1934-October 10, 2024 Hard work and love of family defined the life of George G. Saldaña Sr. His favorite place in the world was the back patio of his home, regaling his family with tales from his storied life. Born in Three Rivers, Texas, he was the third child of 11 born to Frank and Lucy Saldaña. The family moved to San Antonio, and from a very young age George worked many odd jobs to help make ends meet. When he was 9, he worked as a pin boy at a bowling alley in South San Antonio, an experience shared with his children and grandchildren in countless stories over the years. Tragedy struck the family when George was a young teenager. His father died in a construction accident, and George and the older brothers in the family worked even harder to help provide for his mother and younger brothers and sisters. His school grades suffered because he worked so much, but he was determined to graduate. In 1954 he earned his high school diploma from Fox Tech High School at the age of 20. He enlisted in the Army soon after and was deployed to Korea. His service to his country was a point of pride, and a source of stories, for the rest of his life. In 1957, a friend connected him to a young woman named Lillie Mae Pedrazine. Their first date was on March 31. He took her to a nightclub for an evening of dancing, and after a kiss, he impulsively asked her to marry him. It was after midnight, and the lovestruck pair headed to Seguin, where they heard judges would perform a marriage ceremony at any hour. The newlyweds returned to San Antonio the following day to inform their respective families. It was April Fool’s Day, so no one believed them! Their life together was off to a surprising start. George and Lillie lived in San Antonio for a couple of years and welcomed their firstborn. A job offer in Southern California lured them west, and George worked as a draftsman for an aviation company for several years before deciding to work for himself in the construction industry. That laid the foundation for the rest of his career. Their next four children were born in Yorba Linda, California. Family ties pulled them back to San Antonio, and their sixth child was born there. George continued working in the construction industry, doing cement work, roofing, remodeling, and ultimately home construction. One of the first homes he built was for his own family—the home at 3611 Chapultepec housed the Saldaña clan for nearly two decades and saw countless family gatherings and lively parties. As the years went by, George’s reputation as a custom homebuilder grew, and he built houses all over San Antonio and Fair Oaks Ranch (near Boerne). Every home he ever built for his family featured a welcoming back patio. After a hard day’s work, there was nothing George liked better than sitting outside with a cocktail and cigar, telling stories and listening to music with his beloved wife, family and friends. The final home George built was Lillie’s favorite. Across the fence line from the home on Chapultepec where they lived for so long, they enjoyed many happy years together as George wound down his working life. He finally retired at the age of 80. After retiring, George spent his free time puttering around his house and yard — he always had a project to work on in the garage. George and Lillie also loved to gamble together, and they visited their favorite casino in Eagle Pass many times. In 2021, George and Lillie moved into their final home together, a suite enfolded within their son and daughter-in-law’s home, with an adjacent patio they fully enjoyed. Nestled in the loving embrace of Mike and Ruth Saldaña, every day of George’s last three years of life were treasured beyond measure. He passed peacefully in his own bed with Lillie’s head on his shoulder, her hand in his, and his children gathered around. His children George Saldaña Jr. (Irene), Lydia Saldaña (Bill Orcutt), Patricia Mezhir (Steve), Michael Saldaña (Ruth), Rob Saldaña and Bryan Saldaña (George Allen, deceased) will never forget the life lessons he taught them. His 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren are his living legacy. Numerous relatives and many friends will cherish his memory. He is also survived by his brothers Louis and Daniel (Lupe), sisters Ellen Gutierrez and Susan Clawson (David). The Saldaña family invites those who knew and loved George to pay their respects during the viewing and prayer service at Mission Park Funeral Chapel North at 3401 Cherry Ridge Dr, San Antonio, TX. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 5:00-7:00pm, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. The funeral service will be held at 9:00 am on Thursday, Oct. 24. Burial with military honors to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 10:45 am on Oct. 24. Donations in his memory can be made to Hope Hospice in New Braunfels. George’s family is very grateful for the loving care they provided in his final days.

Tributes

George G. Saldana

June 9, 1934 - October 10, 2024