John "Jay" Saldana Jr.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of John “Jay” Saldana Jr., 51, who left this world surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 24, 2026, due to kidney cancer.

Jay was born April 19, 1974, in Findlay to John Saldana Sr. and Peggy Guggliotti. He grew up in West Park where he made lifelong friends. He attended Findlay High School. Jay loved sports and was an avid University of Michigan and Cleveland Browns fan. On a personal level, he enjoyed being the catcher for local baseball teams. He was often coached by his Dad and Uncle Junior, who both preceded him in death. Sometimes playing alongside his siblings, Jeremy and Joseph, he was also their goalie for indoor soccer. Following in his father’s footsteps, he coached a little baseball alongside his brother, Joseph.

Jay loved music at an early age and often recounted memories that explained his vast interest in many genres, usually involving his grandparents, Raymond and Petra Saldana and Lane and Laura Jackson, all of whom preceded him in death.

Jay was the bass player in the Loose Cannons band, and they played in venues all over NW Ohio for over 14 years. He always had a song ready to share and honestly believed that music could heal.

Sharing in that belief and his love for the band KISS, Jay married the real love of his life, Kimberly Wolpert in 1999. They had three children; Nathaniel (Andi), Cassidy (Tino), Reymond (Zoe). Later they were blessed with two granddaughters, Catalina and Patricia. Jay’s greatest love was those two girls. He was the best Papa!

Jay enjoyed life and was nice to everyone, whether they deserved it or not. He worked six days a week driving for Paradise Pizza and absolutely loved it. When he got his diagnosis one week before he left us, he was almost as concerned for his customers as he was for his family.

Jay was our rock. He taught us that hard work and kindness were important in life, and that humor and music will make life even better. Even though his time with us feels too short, his love, lessons and memories will live on forever. He will be remembered.

Family and friends are welcome to join us in remembering Jay on Saturday, January 31 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. in the Cooper Room at Fox Run Manor, 11745 Township Rd. 145, Findlay.

If you would like to show your love in the form of a donation, there is a GoFundMe set up in his name. https://gofund.me/cc3beb48c

HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay, (419-422-1500), is honored to serve Jay’s family.