Joseph San Salvador III

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Family Life Church, 2223 Dulles Drive, Lafayette, on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. with the doors opening at noon for Joseph SanSalvador III (74) who went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Oschner Lafayette General. The journey to his eternal home followed an extended visit of his family who played some of his favorite praise and worship songs for him.

Joseph SanSalvador III, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a 47 year resident of Lafayette, Louisiana, moving here to attend USL after the marriage to his wife, Marcy Rankin SanSalvador in 1974.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joseph SanSalvador Jr., his mother, Dorothy Simonds SanSalvador, and his sister Dolores SanSalvador.  

He is survived by his wife Marcy Rankin SanSalvador of Lakewood, Ohio;  their two daughters, Heather Coleman and her long time partner Harold Hicks Jr.; Kristen Hahn, her husband Caleb, and their three daughters - Elliana (10), Lillian (7), and Isla (3).  Joe's grand-daughters were the "light of his life" and his last years were devoted to spending as much quality time as possible with them.  He is also survived by his much loved sister, Mary Danna.     

Joe was a 1965 graduate of East Jefferson High School, in Metairie, Louisiana. He attended Delgado College in New Orleans where he received an Associates in Fine Arts, Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where he first earned a B.A. in Secondary Education and later, a B.S. in Criminal Justice. He was a Vietnam Naval veteran who served on the Essex-class aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Oriskany (CV-34) in Tonkin Bay, Vietnam. It was during his time in the Navy that Joe received Jesus as his Lord and Savior and when on shore leave would do street evangelism. Joe joined the Louisiana State Police in 1978 at the age of 31 and was a "road Trooper" out of Troop I. Later, he with another trooper started the Towing and Recovery Unit of the Louisiana State Police travelling the state inspecting and improving the towing and recovery industry. Joe's last posting was in Suitability in Baton Rouge; where he investigated companies that wanted to be involved with the gaming industry. After 23 years of devoted service to the State of Louisiana, Joe retired as a Master Trooper in 2001.  He later worked for Louisiana Tourism at the Welcome Center in the Atchafalaya Basin representing Louisiana to tourists with an extreme wealth of knowledge of the state and the different wildlife in the Atchafalaya Swamp.          

Joe had an avid interest in "American History” as well as developing an interest in the unique craftsmanship and design of knives and firearms. Once Joe developed an interest in something, he would research that subject and learn all he could. He was a fount of information on a number of subjects and was always eager to share what he knew hoping that his knowledge would be helpful to others.

Maya Angelou said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Joseph SanSalvador was at ease with everyone he met and never knew a stranger. He was always interested in others. He was passionate, charismatic, and genuine; those that met him always left feeling better for meeting him. Joe will be sorely missed by his beloved family and his many friends.

Almighty Father, we did not expect the loss of our beloved Joseph, but he is now at peace with You in Heaven, surrounded by Your Radiance and Infinite Love.  May we who continue on our earthly journey, remember Joe, with love, and offer You homage through following in the footsteps of your Son Jesus until we are called to your Glory. In Jesus’ name…

View the obituary and guestbook online at www.cremationsocietyacadiana.com

Cremation Society of Acadiana, 337-534-0304