Bernie was born in Michoacán, Mexico, where he met and married his wife of 63 years, Teresa Prado. Seven of their eight children were born in Michoacán, the last arriving after they moved to Santa Clara County in 1971.
Bernie initially immigrated from Mexico as part of the Bracero Immigration Program in the 1960s, and later became a proud citizen of the United States. He lived and worked in Santa Clara County for more than 60 years raising his family in South San Jose. Bernie was very involved in the Peninsula Soccer League as a player and coach. He also played and coached in the San Jose Soccer league and served as the President of the league for 5 years. Well-known and respected in the soccer community, Bernie played along-side soccer pioneers like Umberto Abronzino helping to establish a soccer culture we still enjoy today. His love of the game lives on in his family, many of whom play and coach throughout the Bay Area.
For more than 35 years, Bernie assembled and installed outdoor products. He passed his work ethic on to his children and grandchildren.
Bernie is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Teresa Prado Zambrano and their 8 children – Maria (Steve), Ana, Teresa (Manuel), Manuel, Rafael (Pallie), Martha (Patrick), Rosie (Jim), Bernie Jr. (Maricela), and his siblings Jose (Josefina), Fidelina (Elíseo), and Carmen (Pedro). His many grandchildren and great-grandchildren will remember him dancing and making them laugh. Bernie’s life was filled with family, hard work and soccer.
Bernie passed away at home with his family after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and related complications. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Parkinson’s Foundation at
https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/bernabe-bernie-zambrano/mariawinklplek
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