Antonio Mendoza Zuniga, Sr., age 69 of Grand Prairie, passed away on July 12, 2021. He was born on April 30, 1952 in Donna, Texas, the son of Francisco Zuniga and Josefa Mendoza. Antonio married Silvia Ochoa and they celebrated 46 years of marriage together before his passing.
Antonio served his country with honor and courage coming from the small town of Donna, TX and traveled the globe with his wife and kids. Being stationed in Tustin, CA with the Knight Riders helicopter unit, and working as support with the Coast Guard in Puerto Rico fighting drug trafficking. Serving in Desert Storm & Somalia sailing on the USS Tripoli fighting tyranny around the globe. He proudly served and retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after 24 years of service. He retired at the rank of Master Sergeant and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and the 7th Award Good Conduct Medal. Finally returning to Texas to be closer to his brothers and sisters after so many years of serving his country. He graduated from TCC with an Associates in Arts making the Deans List every semester and joined Phi Theta Kappa. He was a caring and generous man who loved to help and support others. He was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church and was active in the Knights of Columbus and choir. Antonio loved to play the guitar, sing with his family, write poetry about the people he loved, read his scriptures and books about God, and loved dancing with his wife every chance he got. He also had a passion for cars and loved going to Classic Car Shows; he was a man of service and helped those in need and protected the weak. Antonio was a man of service his entire life; he served God, his family and friends, and his country. He led by example for others to see and help paved the way for others to follow. Mission accomplished Marine!!! Now the Lord has called you home; you will be always missed and never forgotten.
Antonio is survived by his wife Silvia Zuniga; sons Antonio Zuniga, Jr. and wife Frances, Steve Zuniga and wife Ana, Francisco Zuniga, and Robert Zuniga and wife Marlyn; grandchildren Isaiah, Zayla, Christian, Noah, Cameron, Matthew, and expectant Kali Isabella; brothers Joe Frank Zuniga, Juan Zuniga, Michael Zuniga, Martin Zuniga, and Nicolas Zuniga; sisters Josie Rendon, Esmeralda Aguilera, Mary de la Cruz, and Elizabeth Zuniga. Antonio was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Guadalupe Zuniga.
The family will receive friends Monday, July 19 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Bean Massey Burge Funeral Home. A Rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm. Funeral mass will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, July 20 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. Interment will take place at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.beanmasseyburge.com for the Zuniga, family.
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