Daniel Zamora

Today we lost the main pillar of the La Joya Area Federal Credit Union (LJAFCU), Mr. Daniel Zamora. We were heartbroken to learn of his passing, but are honored and grateful for the many years he served as one of the founding members of the LJAFCU. His vision, along with 14 other individuals more than 50 years ago, has evolved from servicing not only the teachers of La Joya ISD, but now servicing nearly 16,000 members throughout Hidalgo County.

In addition to being one of the founding members of the LJAFCU, Mr. Zamora was also a proud United States Veteran, and served La Joya ISD as an Economics teacher, a Counselor and a Principal. He also was deep rooted in faith, and served as a Deacon and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus.

As a Penitas native, his passion was to serve. As a young educator, Mr. Zamora saw a need to help out new teachers coming into the school district who were struggling financially. The first deposit he took back then was $68, and that $68 has now turned into close to $50 million in total assets today. As the Founder/CEO of the LJAFCU, his keen eye for financials kept the bank afloat during tough financial times. As a Board of Director, his compassion to understand member’s struggles, made him a true leader in the board room.

“When I was elected as a Board member 9 years ago, Mr. Zamora advised me to always lead with the members needs in mind,” said Belinda R. Garcia, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors. “As a chairwoman of the BOD for a combined 7 years, I took that advice to heart and remembered his words when tough decisions had to be made. One time he told me, ‘You were elected by the people, so always do right by them’ and that’s a philosophy I intend to keep with our members.”

Mr. Zamora was known to give out great financial advice, and truly cared about the members, and especially the staff at the LJAFCU.

“Our staff was devastated to learn of his passing,” said CEO Johnn V. Alaniz, “Because he always treated all of us as if we were part of his family. He will unequivocally be missed. There will never be another Mr. Zamora, but there will always be a ‘Mr. Daniel Zamora legacy’ that will certainly guide our LJAFCU into our financial future.”

The LJAFCU Board of Directors subsequently named the Board Room to the “Mr. Daniel Zamora Board Room” when he resigned from the BOD years ago due to his health. His picture still hangs today at the head of the Board Room table, as a tribute to his leadership. The LJAFCU sends our thoughts and condolences to the family of Mr. Zamora, and to all those who knew him. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Casa funeraria Del Angel in McAllen.