Jose F. Zapata

Jose Francisco Zapata, aged 55 left us to join our Lord and savior on Friday January 13, 2023 after a hard fought battle with cancer. He was born on January 20, 1967 to Jesus and Alejandra Zapata who preceded him in death along with his older brother Herman.

From the time he was a young boy Joe was a magnetic person who made lifelong friendships that survive to this day. The loving bond he shared with his parents and siblings was something to behold. He truly loved and adored all of his children and wanted them to know it often. He was a committed and loving husband. Joe was a natural leader. His strong work ethic, undying loyalty and unapologetic faith made him the rock in many relationships.

Those who knew Joe would agree he was rarely still. From receiving his bachelors degree in political science; through years in the automotive industry and all the way to building beautiful pools, Joe loved to get things accomplished. If he wasn’t working at his employment he was busy continually striving to make his home beautiful and welcoming to others. Chances were good that you could find him cooking for someone else while having his much loved Wellers and Diet Coke. His barbecuing skills were legendary. There are many who were fortunate enough to have had anything he prepared and he spent many hours with family and friends perfecting his craft. If you were really lucky you’d get to hear his beautiful singing voice rise up on any given occasion whether it be to pay tribute to a loved one or because of lots of margaritas. His quick wit, love of laughter and playful nature will be sorely missed. Joe was a strong, smart, faithful, loving man with a fast smile and an iron will. The impact of knowing him and having him in our lives will truly last forever.

Joe is survived by his wife Donna Zapata, daughter Avery Zapata (Richard Denton), sons David Zapata and Jack Brents. Siblings Jesus Zapata (Amy), Carmen Sandoval (Ricardo), Gerardo Zapata (Patti), Felipe Zapata, Marco Zapata, Elizabeth Reames (Tim), Eduardo Zapata (Marisela), Juan Zapata, Bernadette Romero (Andrew), Christian Zapata and many many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. The friends he left behind are too numerous to count and impossible to list. He is also survived by his former spouse and mother of 2 children, Holly Thalman

The family will receive friend from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

ROSARYTUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 20237:00 PMPORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH

FUNERAL MASSWEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 202312:00 PMOUR LADY OF ATONEMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH15415 RED ROBIN RD.

Fr. Mark Lewis will be presiding. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Thrivewell Cancer Foundation