Vincent Morales Zaragoza

Vincent Morales Zaragoza passed away January 31, 2014 surrounded by family. Born 1929 in Delano, he was one of eight children and is preceded in death by his parents Odilon Ramirez Zaragoza and Manuela Morales Zaragoza. He lived a life of strength, determination and was always ready to lend a helping hand to others in need. His civic duty, community service and helping the City of Delano goes back 5 generations. He took responsibility early in life at age 9 when he started his shoe shine business to help support his family being the only surviving son. He graduated from Delano High School in 1947 and was only one of six Hispanics to do so. Shortly after high school, he enlisted with several of his friends into the California National Guard to serve and protect. Soon after completing his military service, bookkeeping became his passion and he began work at Texaco Distributors selling fuel and oil, and crafting his business and people skills. He also developed a keen interest in labor contracting and real estate, and began a second career as a labor contractor, Century 21 realtor, real estate entrepreneur and tax preparer.

Throughout his life, Vincent was a community service individual who firmly believed one person can make a difference and so he did. In 1958, he became the first Hispanic city council member for the City of Delano with an overwhelming popular vote over other candidates. In addition, Vincent served as a member of the Latin American Citizens Association (LACA) as Director and President, as Director of the Delano Harvest Holidays, as Cinco de Mayo president and Grand Marshal, and as Director for the North Kern South Tulare Board which was responsible for building the Delano Regional Medical Center. Lastly, as recipient of numerous awards including Mexican American Pioneers, LACA, and Cinco de Mayo to name a few, the City of Delano chose to name a city street in his honor - "Zaragoza" street.

Vincent was humble who loved his fellow man. His main hobby was community service to the surrounding people in Delano. In his own words, the rewards of friendship and people, by far, exceeded material gain and wealth. He was a true gentlemen and made more friends than anyone can imagine. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, great uncle, father-in-law, grandfather, great grandfather and courageous man who will be missed by family and friends.

Vincent is survived by his sisters Josephine Espinosa, Angie Pinuelas, and Trinie Frausto. Vincent was previously married to Victoria Armas Zaragoza and leaves behind his sons Vincent A. Zaragoza, John A. Zaragoza, daughter Mary Ann Garza and her husband Louie, grandson Louie M. Garza and his wife Miriam, his great granddaughter Itzel, and countless nieces and nephews. In addition, Vincent is survived by his wife of six years, Jennie Zaragoza, six stepchildren consisting of Robert Dominguez, wife Maria, Eva Escobedo, Esther Castillo and husband Sergio, Juanita Ayers and husband Ralph, Rosie Torrez and husband Tony, and Arnie Dominquez wife Bea, thirteen step-grandchildren, and five great step-grandchildren.

A viewing and rosary will be held at Delano Mortuary, 707 Browning Rd., Delano, CA 93215 on Friday, February 14th from 4 PM to 8 PM; and a 9 AM church service will be held the following day on Saturday, February 15th at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1732 11th Ave., Delano, CA 93215.

The Zaragoza family is very grateful to the staff at GEMcare, Summit Hills and Gentiva Hospice for their care of our father during the course of his illness.

Services entrusted to Delano Mortuary, a Dignity Memorial provider.

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