Ismael Zamora Zavala

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Ismael Zamora Zavala. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Ismael was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

Ismael was born in Castroville, California. He was the son of Jesus and Manuel Zavala. Ismael was raised in San Jose, California. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Ismael was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Ismael's personality throughout his life.

Though Ismael was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Ismael was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Ismael worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Ismael was raised with seven siblings (three deceased). He had four living siblings: Angie (his older sister), Jessie and Olga (his younger sisters), and Joe (his younger brother). Ismael and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

There was one thing that all of Ismael's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that he was a talker. He could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Ismael was such a popular person throughout his life. But Ismael was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Ismael was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While he maintained personal standards and his own personal values, Ismael was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Ismael was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Ismael was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Ismael made friends, he made true and lasting friendships. Later in life, he became friends with Val Deleon.

Ismael was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Ismael cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On May 21, 1955 Ismael married Margaret Flores in Reno, Nevada. Compassionate and devoted, Ismael worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

Harmony was important to Ismael and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Ismael was blessed with four children, one son, Ismael Jr., and three daughters, Norma Alice, and Liz. They were also blessed with thirteen grandchildren, Andrea, Phillip, Pamela, Jessica, Gaby, Mark, Eric, Erica, Nicholas, Ashley, Alex, Anthony, and Joey. Ismael was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Ismael was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Ismael would listen before he would act.

Taking his work seriously came naturally to Ismael, and he expected the same from those around him. Ismael was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Ismael was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Ismael handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was roofer for 30 years and an investor. He was the owner of Zavala Roofing Company, Zavala's Mini Storage, and Zavala Properties. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

Ismael was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Ismael was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Ismael also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Top on his list was WWE Wrestling.

Ismael was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. He was appreciated and respected. He could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about his own values and beliefs. So it’s little wonder that he was active and highly valued by those in his community, serving on committees for the Board Member United Way of Santa Clara, Board Member San Jose Museum of Art appointed by Mayor Janet Grey Hayes, Board Member Center for Training & Careers, and Director of ARC (Association of Roofing Contractors). Politically, Ismael was a strong supporter of the Democratic Party.

A generous and compassionate man, Ismael accomplished much during his lifetime. Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Ismael was recognized and given awards for his many and varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included "Director Emeritus" Lifetime Achievement Award - San Jose/ Silicon Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Pueblo de San Jose Civic Appreciation Award, "1998 Hispanic Man of the Year" - San Jose/ Silicon Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 2008 California Small Business Award (Silicon Valley Recipient), 2009 Telemundo Hispanic Business Award, 2009 MACSA Fifty Most Influential Latino Award, 2011 Honorary Board Member Lifetime Achievement Award - Center for Training & Careers, and 1978 Bus Man of the Year - Mexican American Chamber of Commerce.

Not only did Ismael enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included Puerto Vallarta Mexico, Hawaii, New York, Washington D.C., and Cabo San Lucas.

Ismael was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Two of his favorite were Precious and Buddy, his cats, who were his best friends for 2 years.

Since it was easy for Ismael to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Ismael was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1988. In retirement, he found new pleasure in monitoring his businesses. Even in retirement, Ismael stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

Ismael passed away on May 6, 2012 at San Jose Regional Hospital in San Jose, California due to heart failure. He is survived by his wife Margaret; his children Ismael Jr., Norma, Alice, and Liz; and his grandchildren Andrea, Phillip, Pamela, Jessica, Gaby, Mark, Eric, Erika, Nicholas, Ashley, Alex, Anthony, and Joey. Services were held at Chapel of the Oaks at Oak Hill Funeral Home in San Jose, California. Ismael was laid to rest in Oak Hill Memorial Park in San Jose, California.

Ismael was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Ismael was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss Ismael Zamora Zavala.