Efren Zarate Leyva

Efren Zarate (1949–2026) was a man who believed in working hard, thinking ahead, and loving his family deeply. He was a builder in every sense of the word. He built engines. He built opportunities. He worked hard for everything he built. And most importantly, he built a family that will carry his legacy forward.

Efren died peacefully at home in San Bernardino, California, on February 25, 2026, at the age of 76. He was born in Providencia Santo Domingo, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to Pedro and Mariana Zarate, who believed in his potential and instilled in him the courage to dream beyond his circumstances. That belief shaped the rest of his life.

In 1975, at a dance in Chino, he met Rosalba, the love of his life. From the beginning, he was intentional about her. He brought her flowers and made it clear she was the one. They married in July 1976 and began a partnership that would span five decades. Together they faced life with determination, sacrifice, and a shared commitment to family.

Efren was a devoted father to Efren, Helena, Diana, and Miguel Angel. Their home was one where hard work was expected, education was valued, and growth was constant. He believed in investing wisely, planning ahead, and staying busy. He believed that a man should always be learning, always improving, always building something better than what he started with. His children grew up watching him live those values every day.

To the outside world, he was known for his love of classic cars, especially the 1950s models he restored with patience and precision. He loved the thrill of searching for rare parts, the satisfaction of bringing something old back to life, and the pride of seeing a finished project shine. Restoring cars was more than a hobby for him. It was who he was. He saw potential where others saw wear. He believed that with enough care and effort, things could be restored, renewed, and made strong again.

But of all the roles he carried, the one that softened him most was grandfather. His grandchildren, Selena, Angeleena, Costello, Nayara, and Nereyda, were his joy. He smothered them with kisses and quiet pride. With them, you saw a different side of him. He was softer, playful, and completely wrapped around their fingers.

Efren will be remembered for his fearless drive, his steady discipline, and his unwavering devotion to those he loved. He did not simply talk about building a better future. He worked for it every day of his life.

We could not have asked for a more committed husband, father, and grandfather. Life will not feel the same without him. But everything he taught us about hard work, resilience, and loving your family fiercely is part of who we are now. That does not leave.

He is survived by his beloved wife Rosalba, his children Efren, Helena, Diana, and Miguel Angel, his treasured grandchildren Selena, Angeleena, Costello, Nayara, and Nereyda, and his great-grandchildren Adelina and Elliana, who are part of the legacy he worked so hard to build.

He built a strong life. And because of him, we are stronger too.

Last year, our family established a small legacy scholarship in honor of Efren and Rosalba to support students who demonstrate ambition, perseverance, and a desire to create lasting change for their families. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Efren’s legacy may contribute to the family scholarship via Venmo at @Helena-Simolin. Please write “Scholarship” in the memo.