With unwavering faith in the promise of eternal life, Antonio “Tony” Zapata, age 92, of Victoria, departed from this world on Sunday, January 19th, 2025. Born in Goliad, TX, on December 6th, 1932, Tony was the beloved son of the late Pablo and Elvira P. Zapata. He graduated from Patty Welder High School in 1952 and married the love of his life, Tiva Garza, of Beeville in 1954.
A devout member of Our Lady of Victory Cathedral, Tony was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1329 and an Honorary Life Member of the Fourth Degree Assembly #1126. After a fulfilling 32-year career, Tony retired from DuPont in 1993, at which point he devoted himself to caring for his wife, Tiva, until her passing in 2017. In the years that followed, Tony honored their shared life by cherishing her memory and the deep bond they created together.
Known for his boundless kindness, generosity, and playful spirit, Tony had a remarkable ability to always find the brighter side of life. His warmth and strength of character will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Tony is survived by his children, Elizabeth Rodriguez (David); son, Steven Zapata (Lisa); sister, Beatrice Rodriguez; grandchildren, Erica Andrade, Amanda Zapata, Carrie Gonzales (Dionicio), Joshua Rodriguez, Nicholas Rodriguez, Alyssa Zapata, JonPaul Zapata and his great-grandchildren, Arianna Sierra, Salma Andrade, Yasmina Gonzales and Camilla Gonzales.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Natividad Garza Zapata; sons, Anthony R. Zapata, John Paul Zapata; brother, Bennie Zapata and sister, Mary Jane Zapata.
Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, January 31, 2025, from 8:30-9:30 AM at Our Lady of Victory Cathedral Church followed by the reciting of the Holy Rosary at 9:30 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 AM with Father Kirby Hlavaty officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be members of the Knights of Columbus. Honorary pallbearers include Refugio Aleman, Christopher Aleman, Peter Delgado, Michael Medina, and Andrew Rodriguez.
The family is grateful for the care received from the staff of Harbor Hospice and Molly’s Helping Hands. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Our Lady of Victory Cathedral Charities or Harbor Hospice.
