Ernesto Diaz Zarate

Mr. Ernesto Diaz Zarate, a beloved, faithful, honest, and hard-working individual, passed away on September 23, 2025, at the age of 95. Born on January 19, 1930, in Robstown, Texas, Ernesto spent his later years residing in Fresno, California.

Ernesto was preceded in death by his parents, Caciano Ramirez Zarate born in Nuevo Leon, Mexico and Piedad Wertt Diaz Zarate born in Tamaulipas, Mexico, his spouse Josefina Trevino Zarate born in Robstown, Texas, and siblings Jesus Zarate, Gloria Rodriguez, Maria Zarate, Guadalupe Gutierrez, Victoria Trevino, Juverina Duran, and Tomas Zarate.

He is survived by his children Alicia Herevia, Jesse Zarate, Delia Martinez, Lucy Villareal, and Christina Pierson. He was also preceded in death by his children Ernesto Zarate III, Irma Zarate, and Ernesto Zarate II.

Ernesto was blessed with 17 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.

Special thanks are extended to nephew Christopher Bynum and his wife Cindy for their love in supporting and caring for Ernesto's health and well-being for several years, as well as to nephew Eric Pierson Jr., who stepped in to care for him when needed.

In his career, Ernesto worked as a janitor at the IRS building for about 15 years and was a farm laborer in previous years.

A visitation will be held at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, located at 836 E Nees Ave, Fresno, California, on October 14, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will follow at 6:30 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on October 15, 2025, at 10:00 am at The Shrine of Saint Therese, 855 E Floradora Ave, Fresno, California. The Committal Service will take place at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery, 264 N Blythe Ave, Fresno, California.

Ernesto's life was a testament to his dedication and love for his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.