Hermenegildo "Mere" Zapata

Hermenegildo "Mere" Zapata, a beloved and resilient man, passed away on October 3, 2025, at the age of 67. Born on April 12, 1958, in Ascension, Chihuahua, Mexico, Mere was known for his hard-working nature and humorous spirit. He was a sensitive and loving individual who touched the lives of many.

Mere spent his career working in construction, where he was admired for his dedication and resilience. These qualities were not only evident in his professional life but also in the way he approached his roles as a husband, father, and grandfather.

He was married to Teri Zapata for 43 wonderful years. Together, they raised two children, Christopher Zapata and Natalie Zapata (Denyse Nixon). Mere was a devoted grandfather to three granddaughters, Dominique Villa (Jose Villa), Chloe Zapata, and Amariz Zapata, and a great grandfather to Sofia Villa. His family was the center of his world, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Mere had a passion for baseball and loved discussing the game with his children. He also had a sweet tooth for pineapple upside-down cake and his granddaughter's banana bread, which were among his favorite treats. His sense of humor and emotional sensitivity were defining traits that endeared him to all who knew him.

A memorial service to honor Mere's life will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 10:00 am at the Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery in the Sunbird Room, located at 10940 E Chandler Heights Rd, Chandler, Arizona, 85248.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all the friends and family who cared for Mere. His legacy of hard work and humor lives on in his children and grandchildren, and he will be fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.