Oscar J. Zuniga

OSCAR J. ZUNIGA Oscar J. Zuniga's life on this earth ended on Monday, July the 23rd, 2007. Born May 30, 1922 in Laredo, Texas, he was 85 years old. He was the fourth child of Alfonso J. Zuniga and Conception B. de Quiroga, who lovingly raised their thirteen children in the warm and joyful home known as La Casa de Miel at 1101 Market Street in Laredo. He graduated from Laredo High School and served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Jerauld in the Pacific Theater of War, and after the war, completed work towards his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Texas. He was registered as a Professional Engineer and Land Surveyor and practiced as a consulting engineer for over 30 years, providing mechanical and electrical engineering design and consulting services to public and private clients across South Texas. In 1988 he was honored by his peers as Engineer of the Decade by the Gateway Chapter of Professional Engineers. In later years he joined with partners, including Armadillo Construction Company, in developing residential neighborhoods throughout Laredo, including Hillside Terrace, Shiloh, and Eastwoods. In addition, he served on the boards of various financial institutions and community organizations including City National Bank (later NBC Bank), the Border Olympics, and the Mercy Hospital Advisory Board. A simple and unpretentious man with a quick wit, his lifelong pleasures were hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. He enjoyed spending time surrounded by family and friends, and there was always room for one more at his table. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Young Zuniga, his son, Bernard (Zed) Zuniga, his grandson, Robert Paul Zuniga; brothers Alejandro, Guillermo, Eduardo X, and Raul Zuniga; and sisters, Blanca Stella Azios, Margarita Rae, and Maria Teresa Dent. He is survived by his brother Alfonso J. Zuniga Jr.; sisters Norma Lucila Benavides, Martha Cecilia Martinez (Robert), Florencia Trevino (Meme), and Sylvia Zuniga; children Patti Starnes, Oscar J. Zuniga Jr. (Jay), Lydia Juarez (George), David M. Zuniga (Sylvia), Paul Zuniga (Sally), Helen Bucca Trevino (Bill), Dee Dee Hrncir (Bill), Arthur Zuniga (Melissa) and Stella Burkhalter (Hunter); grandchildren, Melanie, Patrick, and Mimi Starnes, Branch, Janna, Matthew, Bethany, David Jr., Stephanie, Jason, Nicole, Kevin, Talitha, Brianna, Callie, Lindsey, Nathan, and Zachary Zuniga, Brandy and Dara Gutierrez, Alisa and George Juarez, David R., Normandy, Mandalay and Greg Cortez, Dalton and Kenton Trevino, Billy and Allison Hrncir, Wyatt and Emery Burkhalter, 19 great grandchildren, and his longtime caregivers, Efrain Flores, Raul Estrada, Jose Luis Aguilar and Eluzai Pompa. Oscar spent his last days peacefully in his home on the Paul Young Ranch. His stated wish was that in lieu of flowers, he be memorialized with donations to the Sacred Heart Children's Home; 3310 S. Zapata Hwy, Laredo, Texas 78046. Memorial visitation will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 27, 2007. A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. The family encourages you to sign the guest book online at www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com. Arrangements are under the direction of JOE JACKSON NORTH FUNERAL CHAPELS Laredo, TX 78041 (956) 722-8850