Jesse Zapata, age 76, passed away on Monday, November 26, 2007. He was born to Christine Gallegos-Zapata and Antonio Zapata on December 23, 1930. Jesse was a member of the Armed Forces of the United States Navy. He fought in the Korean War. He was also a member of the fighting CB in the Vietnam War. He was preceded in death by his wife, Soledad Shirley Zapata; beloved granddaughter, Angelica Maria Zapata; mother, Christine Gallegos-Zapata; father, Antonio Zapata Sr.; brother, Edward Zapata. Jesse is survived by his beloved daughter, Rachel Zapata-Helsdingen; grandsons, Richard Rivera and wife Yanira Rivera, Jesse Rivera Sr., Augustine Rivera Sr. and wife Angela Prieto; and numerous great-grandchildren. The family would like to give thanks to the entire staff at St. Davids Medical Center and also to the entire staff of Hospice of Austin for their special care and compassion. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at Wilke-Clay-Fish Funeral Home. Mass of the Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Thursday, November 29, 2007 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery.
