Salvador Barbosa Guzman

On Sunday, February 5th, Salvador B. Guzman passed away peacefully at his home in Lomita, California, surrounded by his family. He was just 42 days shy of his 100th birthday.

Salvador, known as Sal, was born to Salvador and Amalia Guzman on March 19th, 1923 in Lordsburg, New Mexico. He was one of nine children. The family would move to California when Sal was just an infant, where they first lived in Pasadena, before settling in East Los Angeles after his father's death. While his childhood was filled with endless joy, adventure, and love, Sal grew up in poverty. As a boy, to help their mother provide for the family, he and his older brother would shine shoes for a nickel a pair in downtown LA. He attended Garfield High School where he would set and hold the record for the school's highest pole vault jump at 12’6 for the next 25 years. When speaking of his record he would always note that he set that record using a bamboo pole. After graduating from Garfield High School in 1941, he went on to serve his country in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII. He was initially stationed in California where he patrolled the coast on horseback, and later he would serve in Hawaii. Being a proficient swimmer, while off-duty, Sal could be seen swan diving off the cliffs of Honolulu with the locals.

Once discharged from the service, Sal would go on to study at the University of Southern California on the GI Bill. He graduated from USC in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce. That same year, Sal met his beloved wife, Celia, at a dance being held at The Hollywood Palladium. They would marry the following year and go on to have 4 children. Sal became an Accountant and worked for large corporations for nearly 25 years. The family would reside in Montebello until 1975 when, at the age 52, Sal opened his own Accounting and Tax practice, Business Bookkeeping and Income Tax Service, relocating the family home to Lomita, CA. He ran the successful business until 2017 when he sold Business Bookkeeping and retired at the tender age of 95.

Sal and his wife, followed the big bands around Los Angeles and danced the night away well into their eighties. They were also passionate bowlers and were members of many leagues around Los Angeles. Sal hung up his bowling shoes when he was 93. He and Celia were avid world cruisers. One of Sal’s favorite trips was to Istanbul.

Sal will be remembered as a kind and good man, an impeccable dresser whose quiet charm befriended many with his quick wit and corny jokes. Each day, he enjoyed reading at least one newspaper front to back. When it came to a meal, he was a good eater, consistently cleaning his plate, a trait he kept from growing up during the Depression. His love of food was only exceeded by his love of spice. He was known to carry around a small baggie of serrano peppers that he would add to every meal, regardless of the cuisine. His friendships were important to him, and without the use of social media, Sal managed to maintain childhood friendships well into his adult life.

Sal is survived by his children Richard (Maureen), Denise (Tony), Cynthia, Cheryl (Craig), six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Ordy, Babe and Helen. He was preceded in death by his wife Celia in 2017. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to those who loved and cared for Sal as though he were their own father. Thank you to Lubia, Pedro, Steven, Willie, Omar and Kelley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Garfield High School, Attention: Matilda Lopez, College Center. Donations earmarked with “College Center” will go towards college application fees and college scholarships.







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