John Leroy "Johnny" Zamora

John Leroy Zamora November 12, 1942 - October 26, 2022
John Zamora, 79, just 17 days short of his 80th birthday, passed away at his home in Marana, Arizona on Wednesday, October 26, with his family by his side.
John, also known as "Johnny" to his family and childhood friends, was born to the union of Joe David Zamora and Josephine Montoya from Cimarron, New Mexico.
Johnny was born and raised in Cimarron. After graduating Cimarron High School, Johnny enlisted in the Army National Guard where he served six years. During his time in the army reserves, he met, fell in love, and proposed to MaryAnn Chavez from Cimarron. Johnny moved to Los Angeles, California for work in 1966 and once settled, sent for MaryAnn. Johnny and MaryAnn wed on February 19, 1966 in Simi Valley, California. They were blessed in holy matrimony for 50 years until she preceded him in death in 2016. Johnny was also preceded in death by his parents. Johnny was a devoted son, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Johnny cherished family! He was a generous, kind, empathetic, adventurous and optimistic soul who was always willing to lend a helping hand. Johnny loved spending "quality time" visiting and traveling with family and friends. He was "full of life" and was fortunate to visit with many immediate and extended family members from Colorado and New Mexico days before his passing. He was also looking forward to his upcoming 80th birthday celebratory cruise with 11 family members. Ironically, this milestone birthday cruise turned into a "celebration of his life" event. And, in the end, Johnny is beaming with pride and at peace knowing he spent quality time with family and seeing loved ones traveling together, reminiscing all the wonderful memories he shared with each of them throughout his life.
Johnny is survived by his companion of 3 years, Shirley Heffner from Marana, AZ; brother, David from Cimarron and sister Helen Arellano from Las Vegas, NM; his daughter, Anita Solano (husband: Alan) from Marana, AZ and his son Anthony Zamora (wife: Dana) from Arvada, CO; his grandchildren and their spouses, Alyssa Solano (fiancé-KC Hutchings), Lindsey Solano, Terin Knodel (husband: Jason), AJ Zamora and Mia Zamora. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Emma and Eli Knodel.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all of Johnny's friends and their families for the friendship and support they bestowed on him throughout his life.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Vistoso Funeral Home, and Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on May 27, 2023 at Mountain View Cemetery - off Hwy 21 in Cimarron, NM with full Veteran honors. Reception to follow at:
Sister Hildegard Parish Hall
150 W. 11th St.,
Cimarron, NM 87714