Reynaldo I. Zapata

Visitation Date: Saturday, August 20, 2022
Visitation Time: 12:00-6:00 p.m. At Salerno's Rosedale
Interment: Private

Reynaldo I. Zapata, 70, died surrounded by his family on August 15, 2022. He was born on April 29, 1952 in Mexia, TX to Josephine (Espinosa) Zapata and Perfecto Vidal, later adopted by Armando Zapata.
Rey was preceded in death by his parents and great friends that felt like family.
Survivors include his wife Deborah, his daughters: Jennifer and Crystal (Matthew), his grandchildren: Taylor and Griffin, his siblings: Alfred (Jim) and Elsie, and many nieces and nephews. He was a rock to his daughters and his hugs cured everything.
Rey was a union foreman electrician for almost four decades and took great pride in his work. His pipe-bending skills were unmatched and his teacher ended up using his work as on example for future classes, a fact that he was so proud of.
He was a devoted and loving Papa to Taylor and Griffin and spent every minute he could with them. Tay-Tay was the girl that stole his heart. His “Baby Girl” was his first grandchild and had him wrapped around her finger from minute one. He listened to every story she had and he couldn’t wait to show her as many new things as possible. He taught Griffin how to use power tools from a very young age and taught him to take his time and do every job right. There was no project that was too imaginative to tackle – if Griffin thought it up, they would make it together. He also passed on his love of foul language to his Griffy Boy.
Rey taught his family to be serious when needed and to work hard, but to enjoy life through laughs and silly exchanges. Debbie recalls a funny story from a recent doctor’s visit when she sat down thinking he would sit next to her and he instead chose a seat clear across the room. When she followed him, he pretended not to know her and insisted to her that he was married. This happened often in various ways and his family has endless examples of this.
Rey was a generous man. His barbecues were infamous with his arrachera, salsa, and shrimp. He would spare no expense to make a great party and everyone was welcome.
He adored his wife, Dey, and enjoyed spending any time with her, even regular everyday errands. His wake will be on their 45th wedding anniversary and there’s no better way to spend that day than filled with love.