Jeffrey David Salberg

Jeffrey David Salberg died on January 26, 2026, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He was born in Valparaiso, Indiana on January 9, 1952, to JoAnn Litz and Leland Salberg. On April 19, 1980, he married Tracy Weiss.

Jeff lived a life defined by purpose, generosity, and deep devotion to others. A passionate advocate for education, he believed fiercely in the power of learning to change lives. As president of the board of H.A.N.I., and as a teacher in his own right he led not for recognition but out of a sincere commitment to empowering people and strengthening community.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, he loved basketball, golf, and football and was a fierce yet gracious competitor. His love for basketball began early - he set a free-throw record at Valparaiso High School, making 120 consecutive free throws. Jeff went on to become a starting guard at the University of Chicago where he attended his undergrad. Though assists were not officially tracked at the time, those who played alongside him believed he would've held the record. Years later, teammates continue to speak publicly about his contributions and impact he had on their success. Jeff then went on to get his law degree at the University of Miami

After earning his law degree, Jeff went on to build not only a career, but a life rooted in love with his wife, Tracy. Married for 45 years, Jeff and Tracy truly grew up and grew older together. They shared countless memories, laughter, challenges, and milestones, and were always there for one another. Their partnership was steady, devoted, and deeply loving.

That same passion for mentorship carried into his role as a coach. He coached grade school basketball for his sons Josh and Kyle, and in more recent years, his grandson, Zander, shaping not just athletes, but young people through patience, encouragement and example.

Jeff possessed a deep intellectual curiosity and a genuine love of ideas. Drawn to history, law, political and religious theory, he was open-minded and thoughtful, always taking common ground. He believed in reconciliation, in bridging divides, and bringing people together, despite differing views. A true optimist, he never lost faith in the goodness of people or the possibility of understanding.

At his core, Jeff was guided by love for family, friends, and the well-being of anyone he could help. He often offered counsel and compassion to strangers in need he gave freely of his time, wisdom and heart.

One of the greatest joys of his life was the extraordinary bond he shared with his grandson-a relationship filled with light laughter and love that brought him immense pride and happiness.

He was also an animal lover through and through with a deep respect for dogs, cats, horses, and lasting concerned for the preservation of wildlife and our precious ecosystem.

Jeff recently retired after years of hard work and vision, having built and sold a water technology company dedicated to addressing one of the most serious challenges facing our future. Even in business, his values remain clear - innovation and service of something greater.

He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, compassion, mentorship, and integrity. His influence lives on in the lives he shaped, the values he modeled and the love he gave so generously he will be deeply missed and may his memory be for a blessing.

Surviving Jeff is his wife, Tracy; sons, Josh and Kyle; grandson, Zander; siblings: Larry (Robbie) Salberg, Richard (Lauri) Salberg, Howard (Pam) Weiss, Roseanne (Mike) Burklow, and Ronnie (Debbie) Cristea. He was preceded in death by JoAnn Cristea, Rello Cristea, Lee Salberg, and Garry Weiss.

A graveside service will be at 11:00 AM held on February 6, 2026, in the Heber City Cemetery, 680 North 550 East, Heber city, Utah. Shiva will be held at the Chabad Lubavitch in Park City, 2669 Canyons Resort Dr, Park City, UT 84098, following the interment.