Joseph Louis Zacarias

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Joseph Louis Zacarias on Friday, September 19, 2025. A man of quiet strength and lasting generosity, Joseph leaves behind a legacy built not only through service and sacrifice, but through love, resourcefulness, and the transformative power of family.

Born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Joseph was called to serve his country with distinction. From 1948 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, assigned to the 3rd Engineer Combat Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As Sergeant Zacarias, his outstanding performance and devotion to duty—often at great personal risk—contributed materially to the success of his unit’s vital support mission. His courage and commitment earned him the Bronze Star Medal and the deep respect of the Corps.

On December 26, 1964, Joseph married the love of his life, Consuelo Sanchez Navarro. Together, they built a beautiful home rooted in kindness, strength, joy, generosity, and discipline—values that reshaped family patterns and continue to echo through generations. After moving to Dallas, Texas, they raised their two sons, Jose and Martin, and their daughter, Barbara, in the Casa View neighborhood. Joseph worked for Naturalite, Inc. until retirement, but his true vocation was as a self-taught fixer of everything. He was meticulous about using the right tool for the job and took great care

of his tools—just as he cared for people. His practical wisdom was matched by a quiet reverence for precision, patience, and respect.

Joseph and Consuelo were longtime members of St. Monica’s Catholic Church and recently moved into The Peak senior apartments before his illness. His faith, humility, and quiet wisdom were constants in a life marked by service and love.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Justo and Barbara Zacarias, and his sisters, Mary and Teodora.

Joseph is survived by his devoted wife, Consuelo; his children, Jose Zacarias (wife Dorothy), Martin Zacarias (wife Rebecca), and Barbara Jenkins (husband Alfred); and his grandchildren, Alexandra Wood, Joseph Zacarias, Ricardo Zacarias, and Grace Stone. He is also respected and loved like a father by his nieces Rosa (Ochy) Ortega, Nadia Ortega, and Alejandra Martinez Sanchez, and by his nephew Ricardo Loé with their families. His longtime friend Victor Jimenez of Del Rio, Texas, remained a loyal companion through the years.

Joseph’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance, love, and quiet leadership. His legacy lives on in the hands he taught to fix, the hearts he taught to give, and the family he built with strength and grace.

The family will receive friends for a visitation and rosary from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at Allen Family Funeral Options.

There will be a mass at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at St. Monica Catholic Church, Dallas, Texas. 

Joseph will be laid to rest with military honors at Dallas/Ft. Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.