Robert Zarate

He worked for Foster Farms in Livingston, California for 46 years. In retirement, he enjoyed travel up and down the West Coast, camping along the many beautiful spots before returning to his home in Modesto, California.

Robert was a loving brother, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed good food and drink with his family and friends. He was well-known for his barbequing skills and took pride in using these skills to raise money for local youth groups in Livingston. He was also a wonderful cook who was happy to teach his daughters and son-in-laws his secret recipes. He loved his dogs, grandchildren, children, brothers and sisters and their families very much.

He is survived by daughters Elizabeth (Robert) Tate; Cynthia (Bart) McKinley; Trini Z. (Mago) Chavez, grandchildren, Crystal (James) Wilson, Craig Zarate, Benjamin Tate, Justin McKinley, Crystal Marshall, Tyler McKinley, and Roman Chavez. He was also blessed with great grandchildren who he adored.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter Melinda; son Ralph R. Zarate; mother of his oldest children Mary (Parga) Zarate; wife Henrietta (Aguilar) Zarate; brother Richard Zarate.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., with Rosary at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street, Merced. The funeral mass will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church located 519 W. 12th Street, Merced with burial to follow. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, 260 W. Childs Avenue, Merced.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at

www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Zarate family.