Salvador “Sal” Valle

April 20, 1936 - November 7, 2025

Salvador “Sal” Valle, a devoted family man, accomplished aerospace engineer, and a man whose warmth and humor touched everyone he knew, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 7, 2025. He was 89 years old.

Sal was born on April 20, 1936, in Laramie, Wyoming, to Tillie Nuanes and Jess Valle. At the age of ten, Sal moved with his parents to California, where his roots would flourish and his life would unfold.

Sal attended and graduated from John H. Francis Polytechnic High School, a place that held special significance, as it was there he met his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Sheila Irene Riley. They married and settled in Downey, where they lovingly raised their four children: Sal Jr., Celeste, Christopher, and Nickolas.

Sal was dedicated to his profession. He furthered his education by attending an aerospace TLARGI program through USC, receiving a professional certification. This was the foundation for his remarkable 58-year career in aerospace engineering. Over the decades, Sal contributed his expertise to several notable companies, including Arrowhead Aerospace, General Connectors, MacDonnell Douglas, and FHA.

Following Sheila’s passing in 2000, Sal found companionship and love again when he married his second wife, Jane Kramer. They shared a life and home together in Beaumont, California. Jane passed away in 2022.

Sal’s memory will be forever cherished by his loving family. He is survived by his daughter, Celeste, and his son, Nickolas. The enduring love Sal and Sheila shared resulted in a beautiful legacy of six grandchildren: Jacqueline, Ryan, Stephan, Francesca, Elizabeth, and Catherine. He was also joyfully blessed with four great-grandchildren who brought a special sparkle to his later years: Marcus, Natalia, Penelope, and Lorelei. Sal was preceded in death by Sheila (2000) and his sons Christopher (2019) and Sal, Jr. (2019).

A man of intelligence, quiet strength, and an enduring capacity to love, Sal leaves behind a profound legacy defined by hard work, unwavering loyalty, and his deep, abiding commitment to his family. His presence will be dearly missed, but the love and memories he gave will continue to be a comforting embrace for all who knew him.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, December 10, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Downey.