Joseph (Joe) Alexander Salay Sr., of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away in the hospital on January 20th, 2026 from heart and kidney failure among other health issues. He was born on August 10, 1954, in Medina, Ohio, to Alexander Joseph Salay and Emma Katherine (Buehner) Salay. This made Joe 71 years old when he passed.

Joe was a dedicated hardworking man. He was a perpetual jokester and loved to make people laugh and smile. He loved old cars and had no problem jumping in to help fix vehicles or just share his vast knowledge. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, playing games or watching movies. He spent time on four wheelers with his step-son, Richard (Rick) Lillard, which turned into him asking his wife, Wanda Salay, for one. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether working or relaxing. Many of his nurses in his final days described him as kind and thoughtful of others. They also mentioned that he was apologetic, even when they were causing him pain. He was loved by many, and loved with his whole heart. He will be missed by his many friends and family members.

Joe’s brother, Steve Salay Sr., shared a beautiful piece of art bearing these words when asked about Joe:

To whoever reads this I just wanted everyone to know what the three letters at the top stand for:

LOVE

FORGIVENESS

LOYALTY

KINDNESS

UNSELFISH

STRENGTH

WISDOM

I am proud to call this man

BROTHER

Joe was predeceased by his father, Alexander Joseph Salay, his mother, Emma Katherine (Buehner) Salay, his sister, Emily Theresa Salay, and his grandson, Cameron David Oxford.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Salay, step-son, Richard (Rick) Lillard, brother, Steve Salay Sr. (Jean Bollon), and his sister-in-law, Terry (Kevin). His children: Judi (Herschol) and their children, Haley Hanegan and her children Hazley and Zachary Jr, and Haley Oxford; Chris (Karen) and their children, Maya, Ava, and Paige; Autumn, her husband and family; Joseph Salay Jr (Amanda Salay) and their children, Lila, Laura, and Lincoln Szojka; Amanda Salay-Horvatich (Joseph) and their children, Kaitlynn and Matthew; Katie Ritchie (Jamie) and their children, Donovan, Ryleigh, Vickie, and Courtney. Also survived by nieces and nephews: Nikki Carr and her children, Bryan (Brittiany) and their son Remington, Jonathon, Danika, and Nikolas; Alex (Alicia) and their children, Erika, Khloe, Chelsea, Adelynn, and Ryder; and Steven Salay Jr (Nikki) and their children, Kaylyn, Keagan, and Kyle Gross. As well as, special mention Debbie Salay and numerous other family members and friends.

We have made a Facebook group called ‘Remembrance for Joe’ for sharing memories and pictures, as well as an Everloved site where we are taking donations towards his afterlife care. The family has decided not to have a service at this time. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/joseph-salay-sr/obituary/

Copy