A proud Vietnam veteran, Juan dedicated 23 years of his life to serving as a security guard at Austin Middle School. Known for his respectfulness and unique ability to connect with both colleagues and students, he left a lasting impact on the community. His retirement from Austin Middle School in 2015 marked the end of a beloved career but also the beginning of a chapter full of family time, faith, and adventures. Juan's devotion to his Christian faith was evident in every aspect of his life. A dedicated member of the Rock of Ages, he served as an usher, welcoming all with a warm smile and open heart. This same spirit of service was mirrored in his interactions with his beloved family. Known as a true family man, Juan was the epitome of a father figure, especially to his grandchildren. He was never too busy or too tired to dive into the world of play, whether it was at carnivals, pools, or simple backyard dirt. Adventures with granddad ranged from movie outings and flea market explorations to horse and pony rides, creating cherished memories. His relationship with his wife, Raquel, was a testament to love at first sight. Juan's playful charm, pretending to read the newspaper while secretly admiring Raquel, blossomed into a lifetime of shared passions, including dancing to Tejano and oldies music, fishing on weekends, and the thrill of motorcycle rides. Their love was a dance of mutual respect, joy, and unwavering support. As a father, Juan was adored. His daughter affectionately nicknamed him 'my fat boy,' a term that became synonymous with his unconditional love and unwavering presence in her life. His sense of humor, respectfulness, charming personality, deep faith, and familial devotion made him a remarkable man. Juan leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faith. He touched the lives of many with his generosity, spirit, and dedication.
Survived with deep sorrow by his wife, Raquel Torres Leal; his daughter, Liliana Ayala; two granddaughters, Scarlette Ayala, Lucinda Lugo; his sister, Rosemary Yzaguirre; his niece, Diana E. Garza; many more family and friends.
Juan is preceded in death by his parents, Juan Zamarripa and Eliza Gonzalez Zamarripa; and his brother, David Zamarripa; three aunts, Eulalia Zamarripa, Sotera Zamarripa, Martina Zamarripa; and three uncles, Abundio Zamarripa, Francisco Zamarripa, and Pedro Zamarripa.
A viewing will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Palm Valley on Monday, May 13, 2024 from 5pm to 11pm with a rosary service at 7pm. Services will continue Tuesday, May 14, 2024 with a catholic mass at 9am at St. John's Catholic Church. Burial services at the Rio Grande Valley State Veteran Cemetery will be held at a later date.
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