Our beloved brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Jesse Tello Zuniga, was called by our Heavenly Father with his family at his side on October 21, 2021. Jesse is a native Austinite, born on March 1, 1949. He was such a compassionate and gentle soul, always polite. He would pray his Holy Rosary daily and tell his family members he prayed for them. Jesse stood strong under his life trials; God was with him!
Many knew Jesse suffered from epilepsy since he was very young, however this health issue never
prevented him from pursuing his education. He graduated from A.S. Johnston High School in 1968 and received his Associates Degree in Drafting from Durham's Business College. Jesse was also a technician in air conditioning/heating and refrigeration, a job he truly enjoyed and took pride in.
One of his favorite things to do was going out to eat at different restaurants. His sisters would oblige, and take him to whichever restaurant he wanted to go. He loved listening to all kinds of music: from spiritual, to mariachi, to country, to conjunto and Tejano. He had a collection of many vinyl albums he gathered over the years. He learned many songs by heart and enjoyed singing all the time.
Jesse was preceded in death by his loving parents, Andres and Julia Tello Zuniga; and his brother-in-law, Bennie L. Oballe, Jr.
Leaving to cherish his beautiful memories are his caring, loving sisters, Terry Zuniga Oballe (Bennie, Jr., deceased), Josie Zuniga Zavala, and Mary Jane Zuniga Morris (Hank). There is a host of family and friends who will miss him daily. His absence leaves a great loss and much appreciation for having known him.
After Jesse’s dear mother passed away, he was taken care of by his sister, Terry, for 11 years at her home. He then moved to Gracy Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation Center 5 plus years ago, only because he could not walk anymore and was wheelchair-bound. Thank you Gracy Woods.
Visitation for Jesse will be held on Monday, November 1, 2021 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, with the Holy Rosary being recited at 7:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd.
Mass of Christian Burial will begin held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Sta. Julia Catholic Church, 3010 Lyons Road, Austin. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/ Capital Parks with a graveside service.
Serving as pallbearers are Jesse’s nephews, John A. Zavala, Bennie Z. Oballe III, Matthew Meyers, Garren McAfee, and Jaxon Andrew Zavala; brother-in-law Hank Morris; and his forever best friend, Joe Villalobos.
