Obituary of Josafat Arias Saldaña

Josafat Arias Saldaña, 103, passed away in his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born November 13th, 1920 in San Bernardo, Guanajuato. He spent 41 years of his life living in Guanajuato, Mexico. He then migrated to Salinas and resided here for 62 years. Josafat was a proud father of 9 living children, and 3 angel babies.

Josafat provided for his family by migrating between Mexico and the United States during the 1940’s to work as a “bracero”, cultivating a foreign land during an arduous time in history. Josafat worked the fields in Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona and California. He believed in the power of the United Farm Workers, marched alongside Dolores Huerta and the late Cesar E. Chavez; a firm believer AND supporter of the United Farm Workers until his passing.

Josafat, lovingly came to be known as “Tata” to his family. He was a man with an uncanny sense of humor, which was his way of showing care and love. Although, Tata came from very humble beginnings, his life was rich of life experiences, both personally and those with his children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren. Tata will always be remembered for his sweet “tooth”, the sacrifice and love for his family, along with his will to overcome all obstacles in his life.

Josafat is survived by his 8 children, 19 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Celestina Arias, mother, Valentina Saldaña, father, Hilario Arias, and second eldest son, Bernardo Arias.

A viewing will be held Thursday, April 25th, 2024 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at Healey Mortuary located at 405 North Sanborn Road, Salinas, CA 93905. A rosary will be held at 3:30pm at the Mortuary.