On Friday, Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer learned of the recent passing of longtime referee and Pennsylvania resident Julio Salas. He was 74.

Salas rose to prominence as an official in the late 1970's and early 1980's when became one of the most accomplished referees to come out of Eastern Pennsylvania. He refereed in the North American Soccer League (NASL), the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) and American Soccer League (ASL). In addition, he was a U,S. Soccer Federation and FIFA referee, serving as an official for finals in both organizations.

He was also a fixture at college games, officiating more than 100 across all three NCAA divisions as well as the NAIA. A member of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA), Salas was elected to that group's hall of fame in 2012.

Services for Julio Salas will be held Wednesday, August 23 at the Catagnus Funeral Home (329 N. Lewis Road, Royersford, PA 19468). A viewing will take place 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM with a remembrance to follow.