Anthony “Tony” Salamanca, a retired masonry vocational instructor, passed away May 6, 2024.
Salamanca, a US Army veteran who served four years during the Vietnam war, was a longtime resident of Lake Havasu, Arizona.
He began his career with the department at Ironwood State Prison in October 1997. Salamanca retired in December 2023 after 26 years of state service.
“Tony will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time,” according to a statement issued by Ironwood.
According to his family, he enjoyed the outdoors, riding bikes, and creating unique art through masonry.
“He was a man who lived to teach, uplift, and inspire others. One of his many feats in life was hiking 90% of the Grand Canyon, his home away from home,” his family said. “Known for his captivating storytelling, Anthony’s narratives often reflected his passion for history, westerns, and music, particularly blues and classic rock.”
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda, whom he married in Colorado on June 15, 1978. He is also survived by his children, Anthony and David Salamanca, Francine Duran, Jerri Lynn Cordova-Omotayo, Charlene Salamanca, and Robin Flores; his mother, Margaret Salamanca; his brother, Philip Salamanca; sisters, Margaret Salamanca, Elizabeth O’Dell, and Rebecca Rangel. Other survivors include 10 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father, Tony Salamanca, and brothers Alfonso and Joe Salamanca.
Services will be held May 18 from noon to 2 p.m. at 21 Riviera Blvd., at Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
A second service for family and close friends will be held May 30 in Colorado.
Read more tributes to staff and retirees who have passed away.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
Related content
WSP‑RC unites to remember recently passed staff
Wasco State Prison Reception Center (WSP-RC) staff were joined by family members and close friends to remember the lives of…
Darla McCall, retired office services supervisor II
Darla McCall, a retired office services supervisor II from San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, passed away Aug. 8, 2026. McCall started…
Henry Garcia, retired CTF correctional supervising cook
Henry Garcia, a retired correctional supervising cook from the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) at Soledad, passed away Aug. 1, 2026.…
Ray Padilla, retired youth correctional lieutenant
Ray Padilla, a retired youth correctional lieutenant, passed away July 16, 2026. Services will be held Sept. 19 in Fontana.…
Gina Marie Villarreal, retired pharmacy technician
Gina Marie Villarreal, a retired pharmacy technician, passed away July 23, 2026. She worked at Central California Women’s Facility in…
Jose Rocha, retired correctional officer
Jose Rocha, a retired correctional officer from California State Prison, Sacramento, passed away July 16, 2026. Rocha began his career…