Julio Zapata Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a truly remarkable man, Julio Zapata Jr, a devoted father, loving grandpa, cherished friend, and beloved husband.

Born on August 31st in Mission Texas, Julio was a man known for his unyielding love and tireless devotion to his family. Throughout his life, his unwavering commitment to his family and the joy he found in being the father of five daughters to: Liza Jacobson, Lenore King, Loreen Zapata, Lucita Fox and Julianne Howard, was incredible. Each daughter was the light of his life, and he often said, his greatest achievement was raising strong, educated, independent women.

In addition to being a loving father, Julio was a devoted husband to Mary Ann Zapata. Together, Mary Ann and Julio built a life centered around love, faith, and family. They made an example of enduring partnership and devotion. They shared 59 years of marriage, filled with joy and countless memories.

Kindness was woven into the very fabric of who Julio was. He was the type of man to lend a hand, tell a joke or try and make you smile. Julio had a rare gift of making people feel valued and cared for and was known for his sense of humor, and his remarkable ability to connect with people. Kindness radiated from Julio and his smile lit up any room. He loved watching old Western's on TV, working in the yard, and listening to his Mexican music in the garage. He felt pride in his roses and spent hours on his tractor. Moreover, he finally made a dream come true and purchased a corvette he had always wanted. Dreams to him could always be attained given enough determination and hard work.

Julio was a man who believed in the value of hard work and the importance of education. He wanted his children to have a better life than his own- a life filled with opportunities, education and happiness. Julio had a hard life growing up. He did not have the opportunities or privileges that many take for granted. Though he grew up with very little, he decided to create something better for himself and his family. He worked 3 jobs tirelessly to put his wife through college for them to have a better life. Not finishing school himself, he went on to take classes to become a Welder. He spent the latter part of his working career at Key Technology until he retired, where his work ethic and reliability earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues. Julio often would work overtime so that the family could take vacations and have what they needed. Through sheer determination, hard work and perseverance, he rose above his circumstances and built a life of success and stability. A life that allowed him to provide opportunities for his daughters that he never had himself.

Julio's true legacy lies in the lessons he taught his daughters. He taught them resilience, and to never give up. That adversity doesn't define them, but how they treat others does. How to live with compassion, integrity and to never lose sight of your goals. But above all, the importance of family. To him, the pride he felt for his family was everything, and each one of his daughters felt his unconditional love and support. His greatest joy in life was watching his girls (and grandchildren) succeed.

Julio dedicated his life to the happiness and well-being of his family. He was the embodiment of perseverance, sacrifice and unconditional love. Julio left behind a legacy of strength, kindness, compassion, generosity and work ethic that will continue to inspire all of us. Though he is no longer with us, we will always remember his quiet smile and the way he would puff up his check for us to give him a kiss goodbye. Though this goodbye breaks our hearts, he will be cherished forever in the hearts of his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Julio is survived by; Liza and Jack Jacobson, Madeline and Philip Charles, Mitchell Jacobson, Lenore and Rich King, Christian B. King, Beckham Z King, Loreen A. Zapata, Brisa Zapata-Reaves, Basilio Reaves, Belicia Reaves, Lucita and Ryan Fox, Sofia Fox, Jacob Fox, Julianne and Tony Howard, Prentice Steven Howard, Pierce Zapata Howard, Chris and Matthew Zapata-Wheeler, Annabella Zapata-Wheeler, Juan Manuel Zapata Sr. and Jovita Davila.

A private service will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, with a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 28, 2024, for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Walla Walla Senior Citizens Center on 720 Sprague St. in his memory.