Abel Zamarripa

Abel Zamarripa, born May 12, 1939, in Bastrop, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on November 17th at 1:51 a.m., holding his wife’s hand and surrounded by the ones who loved him most—his beautiful children.

Abel was the kindest soul this world has ever known. His heart was pure, and the love he carried for his wife, children, and grandchildren was unmatched. His children could not have asked for a better father, his wife could not have asked for a more devoted and loving husband, and his grandchildren could not have been blessed with a more caring Grandpa and Wello. He was truly one of a kind, and the world—especially the lives of those who loved him—was better simply because he was in it. His gentle spirit, steady presence, and quiet strength made him a source of comfort to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He believed in doing things the right way, treating others with respect, and always showing up for the people he loved.

Abel was also known for his quiet but sharp sense of humor. Although he was a man of few words, he was undeniably witty. He had a special way of making the funniest remarks under his breath—little comments or jokes delivered softly enough that you had to be paying attention to catch them. When you did, he could make you laugh until your sides hurt. His children and grandchildren will forever miss seeing that warm smile of his each and every day.

Abel found his greatest joy in being surrounded by family, sharing a home-cooked meal, and cozying up on the couch with his beloved dogs. A true animal lover, he cared deeply for every animal he ever owned. He delighted in feeding the birds and squirrels outside and always made sure the rabbits who visited their front yard had carrots waiting for them. His compassion extended far beyond his home; he had a way of nurturing every living thing he encountered.

He loved nothing more than being outdoors, surrounded by nature. Abel could spend hours sitting outside, enjoying the breeze, with his dogs by his side. He soaked up the sunshine, listened to the birds chirping, and found peace in simply watching the world around him. Those quiet moments—just him, his dogs, and the beauty of the day—brought him a deep sense of joy and contentment.

His happiest place was always the beach. Abel cherished every trip with his family, especially visits to Rockport, Texas, where his most treasured pastime—fishing—brought him peace and joy. Those moments, surrounded by the sounds of the waves and the company of his loved ones, were some of the memories he held closest to his heart.

One of Abel’s favorite pastimes was watching boxing on TV. It didn’t matter whether it was a major championship bout or a small undercard match—he truly enjoyed every moment of it. Some of his happiest nights were spent gathered with his family, ordering pizza, and settling in for a good fight on TV. Those simple evenings, filled with laughter and togetherness, were some of the memories he cherished most.

A lifelong and loyal Dallas Cowboys fan, Abel eagerly looked forward to game days. Whether they won or lost, he proudly wore his Cowboys hat and cheered on his team with unwavering devotion. Those who watched games with him knew the joy of hearing his laughter, his commentary, and the playful banter that made every Sunday together unforgettable.

Abel is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Zamarripa; his children Nicole Marie Zamarripa, Crystal Brooke Zamarripa Benavides (Michael), and Gus Gallegos; and his beloved grandchildren Taitym Brielle Fletcher, Graysen Abel Fletcher, Zaya Celine Benavides, and Bryant Abel Benavides.

He is preceded in death by his mother Jesusa Cantu and father Gilberto Zamarripa.

The world will never know another Abel. We are profoundly blessed to have called him our husband, father, grandfather, and friend. We are grateful for the time God gave us with him, and although we miss him with every fiber of our being, we find comfort in knowing he is resting peacefully—happy, healthy, and reunited with his family in heaven. Until the day we meet again, we will hold him forever in our hearts and trust that he walks alongside us each and every day.

A service to honor and celebrate Abel’s life will be held on December 5th, 2025, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 3201 Sunrise Rd., Round Rock, TX 78665, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow immediately at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 14501 N. Interstate Hwy 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660.