Passings: Omar Salazar

OMAR SALAZAR, 55, senior crew chief at Charlotte, N.C.-based ROCKin’teriors, on Aug. 14 in Raleigh, N.C.

Salazar began work at ROCKin’teriors during its founding year of 2008. Previously, he worked in the Los Angeles area as a tradesman as part of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.

He led the accreditation effort by the Natural Stone Institute for ROCKin’teriors, along with the certification of the shop in working with ultra-compact surfaces and sintered stone. He and his crew won recognition by the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) as Fabricator of the Year in 2018-2019.

Salazar was known for his innovative work with all hard surfaces, particularly with cutting-edge installations. One of his favorites was creating translucent backlit walls for a shower, which included the bonding of the surface to aquarium glass with a transparent non-streak adhesive to seal off the lighting and allow safe daily use.

Salazar also guided the shop’s work with the R.I.S.E. program from the Gary Sinise Foundation to provide specially adapted smart homes for veterans and first responders with special needs.

Salazar was also a lifelong volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America. In 2021, all members of his troup attained the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest level attainable.

Salazar is survived by his daughter Liliane and sons Sheldon and Stuart; his sisters Arlene Salazar and Laura (Salazar) Grandlienard; and his brothers Marlin and Aaron Salazar.

Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. EDT on Aug. 19 at White Plains United Methodist Church in Cary, N.C., followed by internment at Mont Lawn Memorial Park in Raleigh, and then a reception at ROCKin’teriors at 230 Hampton Woods Lane in Raleigh.

Donations can be made online here to the college funds of his children, or to Boy Scout Troop 24.