Tributes

Otto Salinas, III passed away on March 14, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on August 8, 1939, in San Antonio to Otto Salinas, Jr. and Esther Galvan Salinas. Otto proudly served his country in the United States Navy, joining in 1956. In 1959, while walking in downtown San Antonio, he met the love of his life, Pauline G. Salinas—a moment that shaped the rest of his life. Together, they built a strong and loving family that became the center of his world. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pauline G. Salinas; son, Edward Salinas; sister, Esther Morin; brother, Paul Michael Salinas; and daughter-in-law, Helen Salinas. He is survived by his only daughter, Virginia Salinas; sons, Alex Salinas (Catherine), Charles Salinas, and Christopher Salinas; sister, Margaret Ann Linn; grandchildren, Ray Salinas (Missy), Charles Salinas, Jr., Jenna Salinas, Nicole Salinas, Sean Salinas (Felicia), Pamela Martinez (Derek), and Tiffany Salinas; and great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Isabella, Isaac, Kaiden, Arya, Avery, Shelby, Mason, Cam, Braylen, Lily, and Scarlette. Otto lived a life defined by hard work and dedication. He worked at Fort Sam Houston as a photographer while attending night school at St. Philip’s College to learn the plumbing trade. He later managed the Aquarium nightclub for Mr. Rocco before transitioning into construction with Ohra Wall Construction Company, contributing to projects across San Antonio and throughout Texas. He eventually retired after 31 years of service with H-E-B. He was deeply proud of his heritage, tracing his lineage back to the Canary Islands through his great-grandfather (x6), Jose Manuel Salinas. His ancestors played meaningful roles in history, supporting the Spanish Navy during the Revolutionary War and contributing to the Texas Revolution. His great-grandfather (x4), Pablo Salinas, rode with the Tejano Volunteer Company at the Battle of San Jacinto, while Jose Maria de Jesus Salinas served as a four-time alcalde of San Antonio de Béxar. Above all, Otto’s greatest love was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who attended every school function, sporting event, and fishing trip. If his family was involved, he was there. The holidays were especially meaningful to Otto and became treasured traditions for his family. Thanksgiving was his signature, he took great pride in preparing the meal, often starting a full week in advance. His stuffing and gravy were legendary, loved by everyone, and always the first dishes to disappear, family members would even try to take as much as they could home to enjoy later. The holidays were filled with laughter, full plates, and the kind of togetherness that Otto created so effortlessly. In addition to Thanksgiving, we will all dearly miss Dad’s famous menudo, which he also took time to prepare. He had a special way of bringing people together, whether around the dinner table or simply through his presence. His life was a reflection of love, tradition, and family, and that legacy will live on through the generations he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Tributes

Otto Salinas III

August 8, 1939 - March 14, 2026