Obituary of Salvador O. Payan JR.

Retired Technical Sgt. Salvador Payan Jr., 90, of Vineland, NJ, went to be with the Lord on April 1, 2024. He was born May 25, 1933, in El Paso, Texas to Salvador Payan Sr. and Ignacia Ortiz.

In 1952, Salvador enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as an Airman First Class and 8th Fighter Squadron. He spent over 20 years, retiring in 1972 as a Technical Sergeant. He was certified in many skillsets and received numerous awards and medals. Through numerous stateside and overseas assignments, he was most proud of his tour in Korea where he was presented a letter of appreciation from the President of the Republic of Korea.

In 1956, Salvador married the love of his life, the former MaryJane Haugh. They were married 53 years until she passed.

After his military retirement, he worked as a mechanic for 25 years at Texico, McGuire Air Force Base until his final retirement. He was known for being a fulltime husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His loyalty and dependability far surpassed the family's expectations. He loved traveling, working on cars, camping, and spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, MaryJane Payan; two son's, Richard Payan and John A. Payan; parents, Salvador Payan Sr. and Ignacia Ortiz.

He is survived by his devoted/loving daughter, Bonnie Rivera and husband Enrique of Vineland; two adoring/nurturing grandchildren, Angel Hancock and husband Craig of Vineland, and Kristina Varela and husband Xavier Sr. of Vineland; supportive great-grandchildren, Alizaya, Brandon Jr., and Xavier Jr. of Vineland; son, Salvador Payan III and wife Becky of Vineland; daughter, Norma Hanks and husband Charlie of Riverside; daughter in-law, Maria Payan of Browns Mills; two sisters, Rachel Herrera and husband Albert of Arizona, and Rosalie Martinez of California; many other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Family and friends will be received for a Military funeral service on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at DeMarco – Luisi Funeral Home, 2755 S. Lincoln Ave, Vineland from10:00am to12:00pm, followed by funeral services at 12pm. Military honors and burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Vineland. Memorial donations may be made in his name to 1887 N. Delsea Dr. Unit 132 Vineland, NJ 08360.