It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Abel Zapata, Jr., beloved father, grandfather, brother and uncle, who passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on February 14, 2025, at Harlingen Medical Center.
Born on November 7,1954 in Brownsville, Texas, Abel lived a life serving his hometown and community as a Manager at HEB, Case Manager at Tropical Texas Behavioral MHMR and Juvenile Probation Officer working alongside Harlingen Police Department Gang Unit and Outcry in the Barrio. After 13 years as a Juvenile Probation Officer, Abel retired in 2013. He will be remembered by those who knew him for his love of fishing, barbecuing, collecting coins, antique shopping, listening to Freddy Fender and the Houston Texans.
Abel is survived by his daughters Lorraine Salas (Rene) and Brenda Lee Navarro (Juan); granddaughter Layla Carrisalez; brothers Daniel Zapata (Norma), Armando Zapata (Sylvia), Hector Zapata and sister Benilde De La Cruz (Alfonso, Jr); and various nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents Abel Zapata Sr. and Ninfa Maldonado Zapata.
A visitation for Abel will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Rose Lawn, 4464 Old Port Isabel Rd, Brownsville, Texas 78526. Following the visitation will be a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
