Joe Richard Zapata, Sr., 59, rode off into the sunset on his Harley, Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from his home in San Angelo, TX. Rosary will be held at Johnson’s Funeral Home, Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 6 pm. Funeral Mass will be held, Monday, January 22, 2024 at 2 pm, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church officiated by Fr. Joey Faylona with interment at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens to follow.
Joe was born in San Angelo, TX to Antolin & Maria Zapata. After leaving school he went on to work with SAISD for over 30 years as a custodian and grounds keeper. He was always working with his hands and tried to instill common sense in his children and grandchildren. Partner was always the first to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. Never one to shy away from towing or loading up a trailer, whether across the state, or in the rodeo parade when the kids were in school. Papo, Papaw, Partner was the cornerstone of his family, supporting each of them to give them the opportunities to grow and raise their own families.
Joe’s love of the open road was truly one of his great joys. Even when his eyesight began to fade, he’d still ride up on one of his bikes to DFW to see his kids and grandchildren. It can’t be said enough of his love to ride, of what he believed about his bikes and the open road. He was lucky enough to be able to make the trek to Sturgess and even ROT rally with Lisa by his side a couple of times. His collection of motorcycles was always evolving, and grew when he inherited his last bike from his brother Ruben after his passing from COVID.
Joe married Mary "Lisa" Elizabeth Castorena on March 17, 1983, in San Angelo, TX, and gifted to the world three children, Joe Jr. "JoJo", Valarie, and Erica.
Those left to remember his memory are his wife of over 40 years Mary “Lisa” Zapata, son Joe Richard Zapata, Jr., Daughters Valarie Gomez (Joseph), and Erica Zapata. Grandchildren Michael Fuentes, Aaden Gomez, Christian Gomez, Genevieve Gomez, and Jaxson Zapata. Sisters Gloria Sosa (Neri) and Connie Flores (Carlos), and brother Jesse Zapata (Yamel), and in-laws Glorinda Zapata, Fred Garcia, Esperanza Zapata. He is also survived by his uncle, Antonio Zapata and wife Maria; his aunt, Loya Zapata Rios as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents Antolin & Maria Zapata, infant brothers John Paul & Antolin J., Antolin “Gene” Jr., Ruben Zapata, & Danny Zapata and Sister Elsa Garcia.
Pallbearers will be Mario Gonzales, Gabriel Rangel, Gilbert A. Luera, Charlie Zapata, Joe Santellano, and Antolin “Nito” M. Zapata. Honorary pallbearers Jesse James Zapata, Robert Reyes, Salvador Marquez, Johnny Duran and nieces and nephews.
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