Alberto Zavala

Alberto Zavala, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 18, 2023, in Naples, Florida surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on September 21, 1974, in Yuriria, Guanajuato (MX), to Miguel and Eva Zavala. Alberto was a caring and loving father to Romario, Lily and Daisy. He is survived by Brandee Zavala (nee Denniston), his loving wife, his brothers Victor, Miguel, and Roger, and nieces and nephews.

Alberto was a 1992 graduate of Brother Rice High School and a two time All-American high school soccer player. Alberto was a man who carried many gifts, including strength, determination, love, and most of all kindness. He followed through with these gifts and it showed in the way he lived life to the fullest. Alberto’s simple pleasures were checking in and chatting with friends and family, watching sports while snacking on some sweets, including a strong bromance with Tom Brady. Alberto was the reason that anyone who was in the same room as him had a smile on their face.

Growing up, Alberto found a passion in soccer, the sport he loved the most. His happy place was on a soccer field. On the field is where he displayed his fearlessness, his “hate to lose” attitude, very talented skills, and determination which carried onto other passions he had. He later found his passion in the kitchen. Alberto cooked with love which was his favorite ingredient. His cooking skills were unmatched. The love he put into his cooking to make sure whomever was eating his food enjoyed every bite.

Alberto was someone who carried so much love and kindness. He spread that love out so that others could feel it too. Alberto had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. Alberto didn’t have to know you to be kind, he just was and it showed.

Although Alberto was born in Mexico, raised in Chicago, he was most at peace in the place he called home Naples, Florida. He enjoyed the sunsets, kicking a ball around at the beach, taking his two dogs Izta and Zizou on long walks around his neighborhood, and who knows, he may have even been chasing down alligators back into the water. This is where he felt the most free and happy.

We all only wish we could have been given more time with Alberto. Now, we ask that your takeaway from this is to fill this world with love and kindness, give someone a hug, feed the hungry, take your shoes and/or your hoodie off and give them to someone in need, just as Alberto did. Random acts of kindness are not found in everyone, and we need more Alberto Zavala’s in this world. Use love as your main ingredient, and if you are ever in Florida try chasing an alligator back into the water, it could be fun!