Ishmael "Mike" Salazar, 98, of Danbury died peacefully June 24, with his nephew Randy by his side, at Western Connecticut Health Care. He was the husband of the late Stella (Narel) Salazar.

Mr Salazar was born in Palmas Altas, Puerto Rico, on May 17, 1918, a son of the late Rosario (Martinez) and Dionisio Salazar.

He proudly served in the Atlantic Theater with US Navy during World War II. After the war, he settled in Danbury; a bartender by trade, he worked at various restaurants, including a 25-year career at the Yankee Drover in Newtown.

Mr Salazar is best remembered as a volunteer trainer at the Hat City Boxing Club. For more than a decade, he shared his passion for the sport, which helped get kids off the street and into boxing. Among those who became successful professional boxers are Delvin Rodiguez, Super Welterweight Division, and Fernely Feliz, Heavyweight Division.

He was also a devoted caregiver, helping many members of his family, and was a loving grandfather. His family says he will be greatly missed.

His daughter, Roseanna Weston of Danbury; brother, Eliseo "Cheo" Salazar; three grandsons; and numerous other nieces and nephews survive him. Ten sisters and one brother predeceased him.

The funeral service will take place  Wednesday, June 29, at 11:30 am, at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury. Burial in St Peter Cemetery will follow. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 10:30 am until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mr Salazar's name may be made to: Danbury PAL, 35 Hayestown Road, Danbury CT 06810 or to the Danbury War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive, Danbury CT 06810.