Dennis "Mitch" Salgado

Biography of Dionisio Salgado aka “Dennis” Salgado "Mitch" Salgado

Dennis, a Korean War Combat Medic and Corona’s first Peace Corps Volunteer, passed away on August 26, 2024, at Estancia Del Sol in Corona, California.

Born on March 1, 1932, in Corona, Dennis was one of 11 children of migrant farmworkers who came to the United States through the Bracero Program. He grew up among the orange groves at the Call Ranch and was part of the first graduating class of St. Edwards Catholic Church.

After graduating from Corona High School, Mitch was drafted into the U.S. Army at age 20 and served as a Combat Medic from September 4,1952 to September 5, 1954, in the 3rd Infantry Division, 15th Regiment, Easy Company, fighting in the Chorwon Valley and Kumsong Salient at Outpost Harry. Mitch continued service in the Army Reserves for six years.

For his bravery and service, Mitch was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, The Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Ground Operations against the Enemy, the United Nations Korean Service Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea Service Medal.

Upon returning from Korea, Mitch attended Riverside City College from 1954 to 1957, where he earned his AA degree and played basketball and baseball, achieving a batting average of .500. He also played on The Athletics, a semi-pro baseball team that included Mexican American ball players.

From January 1959 – June 1961, Mitch worked as a Recreation Leader for the City of Corona, coaching youth baseball at "La Casita" and encouraging young men to be of “good character.”

Inspired by an article in the LA Times about President Kennedy’s Peace Corps program, Mitch joined the first group of Peace Corps volunteers June 25, 1961 – July 13, 1962. After completing training at Rutgers University, he was sent to Bogotá, Colombia, where he helped build roads and infrastructure to improve living conditions.

After returning from the Peace Corps, Mitch married Carol Soost August 28,1962 and spent most of his career as a Forman in construction, working with Guy F. Atkinson and later at Tamco Steel.

Mitch was deeply committed to his community. He was a member of the Corona Kiwanis Club for over 25 years serving twice as president. Mitch was also a member of the American Legion Joe Dominguez Post 742 in Corona and served as Commander. He was a member of the Greater Corona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and inducted into the Corona Historical Society Wall of Fame. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Edwards Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. In his leisure time, he enjoyed golfing, fishing and gardening.

Mitch was preceded in death by his parents, Bernabe and Nieves (Maciel) Salgado, his brothers Edward, Arthur, and Alfredo, and his sisters Juana Salgado, Eloise Rodarte and Rose Verdusco. He is survived by his brothers Joe (Chema) Salgado, David Salgado, sisters Julia Luna, Cathy Blankenbeker, his wife of over 60 years, Carol (Soost) Salgado, daughter Denise Meraz (Ron Meraz), son Christopher Salgado (Elsa Salgado), and five grandchildren: Jesi Meraz, Amanda Meraz, Samantha (Meraz) Demopoulos, Stephanie Meraz, and Sofia Salgado.

Memorial Contributions

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made to following agency’s of your choice in the honor of Mitch Salgado.

Kiwanis

3055 Linda Lou Lane

Riverside, CA 92503-5553

American Legion Joe Dominguez Post 742

1557 Yorba Street

Corona, CA 92882

St. Edwards Catholic Church

417 W. Grand Blvd.

Corona, CA 92882