Juan Zavala

MSG (R) Juan Zavala was born on 03 February 1943 in Caguas, Puerto Rico. As a teenager, he moved along with his parents and siblings to Brooklyn, New York. He is one of eight children. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Ines Zavala Alicea; brothers, Luis Angel Zavala, William Zavala, Wilfredo Zavala; and sisters, Carmen Maria Zavala and Iris Esther Zavala.

MSG (R) Juan Zavala is survived by his children John Zavala and Gloria Elaine Zavala, and grandchildren Xavier Antonio Zavala, John Miguel Zavala, Gabriel Eric Ferguson, Marcus John Ferguson, Devin Thomas Ferguson; great-grandchildren Anthony James (AJ) Zavala, and Adrian Korbin Zavala; sisters Guillermina Herrera and Carmen Iris Zavala.

MSG (R) Juan Zavala moved to Brooklyn, NY during his teenage years along with his family. He graduated in 1962 from Brooklyn High School of Automotive Trades and shortly thereafter joined the U.S. Army where he served until September 1965. He had a break in service until 28 May 1978 to marry the love of his life, Ines Zavala Alicea. To whom he was married for over 58 years. MSG (R) Juan Zavala retired from the U.S. Army on 31 May 1995.

During his Army career, MSG (R) Juan Zavala tours of duty outside the Continental of the United States include Germany and (Berlin) Germany, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Somalia. Continental of the United States stations included Fort Hood, Fort Campbell, and Fort Ord.

Schools included Jungle Operations Training in Panama, Air Assault, various enlisted continuing education schools. Military awards include, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (1 silver oak leaf cluster), Army Achievement Medal (1 silver oak leaf cluster), Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Emblem, Army of Occupation Medal (German clasp), National Defense Medal (2 bronze service stars), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southeast Asia Service Medal (1 bronze service bar), Humanitarian Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 3), Driver and Mechanic Badge (Driver A Bar), Expert Badge (Rifle Bar), Sharpshooter Badge (Grenade Bar), Air Assault Badge, Korea Defense Service Medal.

MSG (R) Juan Zavala was kind, passionate, and patriotic. His love was infectious for the U.S. Army, United States, and still keeping the love of his Puerto Rican heritage. As a grandfather, father, husband, uncle, and brother, he was passionate about his family and instilling his knowledge and love of life. He loved salsa music, dancing, cooking, playing maracas, always looking for an excuse to celebrate life with his loved ones. Ultimately, his grandsons were his pride and joy. He was ready to tell stories about his childhood and his many adventures. Always took care of soldiers and veterans even after his retirement. You can take the man out of the Army, but not the Army out of the man. His doors were always open to anyone that needed his help, love, or a good meal. He will be greatly missed. But his spirit will live in all of us.

A Visitation & Service will be held for MSG (R) on January 18, 2024 from 6:00PM-10PM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home. A Committal Service with Full Military Honors will be held on January 19, 2024 at 9:00 AM at The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.