Arnold Zapata

Arnold Zapata from Corpus Christi Texas passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 65. He was born on June 1, 1959, to parents Benny and Yolanda Zapata. He was a graduate of Moody High School class of 1977 and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy.

He married the love of his life, Pat Rodriguez, on February 14, 1987, at the home of his parents surrounded by family and friends. Arnold and Pat were then united in holy matrimony at Holy Family Catholic Church on April 26, 2008.

Arnold had recently retired as a skilled sheet metal mechanic from Corpus Christi Army Depot after 28 years of combined service. During his lifetime, he worked for Tanknology Inc., as a petroleum tank tester and traveled all over the United States, South America and Japan.

His proudest achievements were becoming a father and grandfather. You could see the love in his eyes when he looked at his children and grandchildren, his most cherished gifts from God. He formed a very special bond with his granddaughter Addalyn (Addy) and they were inseparable. She followed him everywhere and was always by his side no matter where they were, even if just on a couch watching a video or movie. He looked forward to her many daily facetime calls to her “PoPo” where she would ask a multitude of questions, but mostly they just joked around and laughed a lot.

Arnold enjoyed many things; one was the beach. Every summer he spent making calls to friends and family letting them know where he would be parked at the crack of dawn and having his bbq pit set up along with chairs and sunshades, ready for anyone who showed up. He loved entertaining and welcomed so many people into his home, there was never a dull moment at his gatherings. He was also a die-hard music fan, and he and Pat started attending music concerts starting in 2016. The first and last concert they saw together was ironically the same band, Collective Soul. Arnold’s other passions were traveling, trying out all kinds of food, riding motorcycles and spending time with friends. He also loved deer hunting, which he learned how to master when he met Manuel Gonzalez III at CCAD.

Preceding Arnold in eternal rest are his parents Benny and Yolanda Zapata, his brother Eddie Zapata, his brother/cousin Monchy Saenz II, and brother/friend Manuel Gonzalez III.

Left to cherish the beautiful memory of Arnold is his devoted wife of 38 years, Pat; children Valerie Phipps, Zachary Zapata (Janet), Cameron Zapata (Brianna and stepson Brody), grandchildren Noah, Addalyn and Madalyn Zapata. His loving sisters Belinda Martinez (Rudy), Cindy Cardiel (Andy), Debra Green (Kevin), Grace McIver (Steve), numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members whom he loved so very much.

The pallbearers are Arnold’s nephews Alec and Derrick Zapata, Paul Cardiel, Matthew Martinez, Ian and Kyle McIver, Jay Richard Rodriguez. Honorary pallbearers Arron Martinez, Richard M. Rodriguez, Johnny B. Rodriguez and Alan Corbaley (deceased).

A visitation for Arnold will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415 with a holy rosary at 7:00 PM. Continued visitation will occur Friday, May 2, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Memory Gardens Funeral Home with a funeral mass at 12:00 PM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 5830 Williams Dr, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412. A burial will follow at 2:00 PM at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, 9974 I-37, Corpus Christi, Texas.