Andres R Zapata

Andres R. Zapata
August 12, 1960 - June 3, 2025
Andres "Andy" Zapata passed away in Jensen Beach, Florida, on June 3, 2025. He was 64 years old. Andy was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, on August 12, 1960 to his parents Rafael A. Zapata (deceased) and Ruth R. Wolf from Wurzburg, Germany.
He grew up in Puerto Rico with his dad, Rafael, and two siblings, Nadja (Zapata) Pardo and Mario Zapata (deceased), as well as his paternal grandmother, "Ata" (deceased), his youngest aunt, Carmen "Adela" Zapata, uncle Jesus "Cuco" Zapata, godmother, Wima "Luchy" Zapata, and several other aunts, uncles, and close cousins. Andy was a funny and loving uncle to Maureen Zapata, Kris Pardo, and Eric Pardo. His family, friends, and everyone that knew him, loved his easy-going personality and funny disposition.
In 1979, Andy moved from Puerto Rico to attend the Florida Institute of Technology campus in Jensen Beach, Florida, where he completed two years of general studies in oceanography and engine mechanics. He fell in love with the area's ocean breezes and island vibes, and never looked back. Jensen Beach became his home for 46 years.
Andy served as a general manager of Conchy Joe's and the Dolphin Bar and Shrimp House in Jensen Beach for many years. He began working as a bartender at Conchy Joe's in December 1986. He was a charismatic, genuinely great person and friend, whom his co-workers enjoyed being around for 39 years. He quickly developed many lifelong friendships, and a well-earned respect for his work ethic. He was ultimately promoted to management.
Andy was the true definition of versatility and selflessness, always willing to help whenever he could. During a lengthy renovation process, Andy played a huge role in getting the Dolphin Bar ready for its grand opening in 1999. After the 2004 hurricanes, he helped with the rebuilding of the heavily damaged restaurant. Everyone saw firsthand his dedication, persistence, and loyalty. Consistently the first person to show up and the last person to leave each and every day, Andy was there until the restaurant was able to reopen after back-to-back hurricanes. In 2006, he also guided his team through a long and difficult renovation process at Conchy Joe's. Andy returned to the Dolphin Bar in 2012 where he helped lead his team for the past 13 years.
Through the ups and downs that the restaurants had over the years, Andy never tried to take credit for successes. A true leader over the years, he helped create a selfless culture of looking out for others and building a trusting environment that has led people to want to work with the restaurants for decades. Current managers were witness to his genuine loyalty and trust. Andy will always be a legend for what he did for the restaurants and who he was as a person. His coworkers and friends at both restaurants became his Jensen Beach family.
An avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Andy had a tradition of golfing during air show weekends and enjoying a "good" bottle of Grand Marnier with his best friends. People will always remember his signature black pencil over his ear and a towel over his shoulder.
Andy was deeply loved and he will be missed dearly. Until we meet again Andy
A Celebration of Life was held at the Dolphin Bar on June 17th, 2025, and a Memorial will be held in Puerto Rico at a future date.