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Adrian Zabala Sr.

Adrian Zabala Obituary

ZABALA Funeral services for Adrian Zabala, Sr., 85, who died Friday, January 4, 2002, will be held Monday at 2 p.m. from the graveside in Evergreen Cemetery (Gate #2) with Father Ron Camarda officiating. Mr. Zabala was a native of San Antonio de Los Banos, Cuba and was a longtime resident of Jacksonville, FL. He played professional baseball in the early 1940s in Jacksonville for the Tars, later to pitch for the New York Giants. In 1956 he returned to Jacksonville to play and coach the Jacksonville Braves. He had retired in 1981, after 20 years with St. Regis Paper Mill. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Mary Anderson Zabala; a daughter, Rosemary Zabala; a son, Adrian Zabala, Jr. (Joy); 4 grandchildren, Adriana Zabala, Gaye Linford, Robby Henson and Jami Pena. Please sign the Guestbook at Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union on Jan. 6, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for Adrian Zabala

Sponsored by The Family of Adrian Zabala, Sr..

25 Entries

Pat Summerfield, RPH

February 13, 2002

Miss Rosemary,

I've missed your dad a lot since I left the pharmacy, and now the only way I'll get to see that smile is in the picture we kept around to cheer us up. We took it at the pharmacy window, and we kept it handy to lighten our spirits any time we started feeling down.

Please give your mom a big hug for me, and be assured that your dad will be remembered and thought of often for a long, long time.

Former IPS Pharmacist

Jill Thomas-Ponsell

February 7, 2002

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Zabala. I miss not seeing you all on a regular basis. My heart goes out to you. Take care, you are in my prayers.

Jill (formerly of IPS pharmacy)

barbara cochran

January 31, 2002

I wish to offer my sympathies to the family of Mr. Zabala. My ex-husband, Earl Addison, and our children, Tammey, Steven & David lived down on the corner of Andrea Drive and Mr. Zabala worked with Earl at St. Regis. Mr. Zabala and his wife were both very gracious and very nice neighbors. My heart goes out to his family. God bless.

Carol Anderson

January 21, 2002

I shall be eternally grateful that I was lucky enough to know "Big" Adrian. My only regret is that I didn't become acquainted with him much sooner. I feel fortunate, by marriage, to be part of the family which includes Mary, Adrian, Jr. and Joy, Rosemary, and the other descendents of Adrian and Mary. Adrian's legacy will be kept alive by the stories passed on to each generation by family and by others who knew and loved him.

Sam Anderson

January 21, 2002

Uncle Adrian became my hero years ago, as a baseball player, but mostly as a person. He still remains a hero to nearly everyone who knew him. His philosophy of life exemplified what the best eventually attain. He was fair,

straight-forward, perceptive, tenacious, meticulous, honest, patient, caring and funny. Several recollections illustrate his strenghths and pleasing personality. (1) I sam him win a double-header against the Greenville Spinners when he pitched for Jacksonville. The sportswriters tabbed him "Iron Man" Zabala. (2) I had the good fortune when I was 14 of seeing him pitch for Cien Fuegos in Cuba. The fans idolized him. (3) The last story involved the marriage of my grandfather (Adrian's father-in-law) in his latter years. Shortly after being married, my grandfather asked Adrian what he thought about his new wife. Adrian, whose English was very limited at that time, replied, "Pap, you got yourself a foul ball." Within a few weeks, the marriage turned into a disaster. We are all better off for having known him. God bless Adrian, Jr., and Joy, Rosemary and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jay Mysliwiec

January 17, 2002

Adrian, so sad to receive the news of your Father's passing.

He was a very special person

and have felt that way ever since we attended the Caribbean Baseball Championship Series together in Caracas in the early 80's.

I didn't know him as a ballplayer,

but did know him as a kind, thoughtful and wonderful human being. I know that you will miss him dearly.

May he rest in peace!

jane mccombs

January 17, 2002

I am Carol Anderson's sister. My deepest sympathies to the family.

Edna Smiley

January 15, 2002

Sugar was a real special person to me and my family.We heard many stories from him about baseball. When he and Wella used to go to the Old Timers games, they would often share the excitement of them with Wallace and me. He would get so excited he would shift into Spanish in the middle of the story and Wella would have to say to him --"Sugar, speak English, they don't understand what you are saying." He enjoyed life and we enjoyed him. Sincere sympathy to all of his family and many prayers.

Linda Benton

January 15, 2002

Having met Adrian,Jr. during a lovely professionally-related stay at his home last Spring, I can say that just in that brief time, I heard wonderful stories about his Dad. He was so obviously proud of him and his heritage, and relished the time he was able to spend with him. What a wonderful legacy to leave your children and grandchildren - cherished memories of warmth and love. My condolences to Joy and Adrian and their children on such a great loss.

Jean Hess

January 15, 2002

Although I did not know "Sugar", I have had the honor and privilege of knowing some of those around him. I am deeply sympathetic in this time of loss and grieving. My words can do little to ease the pain. My prayers center on your being able to continue to walk in the paths that Sugar did and would have continued to encourage you in. My thoughts are for your peace and inner tranquility. May the Powers that Be bring you solace and comfort as you mourn and reflect on the gifts of love, light, and joy Sugar brought to your lives. With deep abiding condolences, love and friendship, Jean

Anne Denham

January 15, 2002

Our condolences to the Zabala family at their sad loss. What a tremendous contribution Adrian made to the world; how proud you must be.

Harry @ Marleen

January 12, 2002

"Sugar" We are sure gonna miss you. You were always a man's man,who was truely devoted to Wella. I know you were proud of your son Adrain,and all the trips ya'll took together. I came to realize how much you loved and counted on your daughter Rosemary and how devoted she is to her Mom and Dad,and how proud you were of all your grandchildren.I will miss our conversations about Cuba,baseball,and the right way to finish a piece of wood.Iam gonna miss that smile and you saying "If you shut up! I gonna tell you" when I would ask you too many questions.God Bless You "Sugar"and I know we will see you again one day. Harry and Marleen

Patricia Cox

January 12, 2002

I'll keep many fond memories of my favorite Cuban uncle.

Mortimer Family

January 11, 2002

To Rosemary, Robby and Jami - our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. God Bless you all.

Adriana Zabala

January 9, 2002

Adrian Zabala was my beloved grandfather who we called "Sugar."

I am grieved at his passing for selfish reasons. I still want to hear his voice on the phone saying, "Alright, now, you keep-e-workin hard-you gonna make it. You gotta keep workin." But I am more overwhelmed by gratitude for his wonderfully unique life and for having known and loved him for the first 29 years of mine. I have always been extremely proud of him and have greatly admired the path he sought through his great talent and energy. He is a constant inspiration to me. And he always will be. There is so much more I could say and want to say, but things get cloudy and sad when I think about Sugar being gone, so I will end here by thanking those of you who have written and who are reading this, and who have called or visited my family. It means a great deal to us and it's wonderful to be reminded of how many of you had a better afternoon, or month, or in my case, almost 30 years, for having known Adrian Zabala, sr. I am proud to have his name, and I will do my best to honor his legacy throughout my life.

Chuck Patterson

January 8, 2002

I offer my condolences to Rosemary, Jami and all the Zabala family. I will offer a decade of the Rosary for Mr. Zabala and for the family. May he find peace and many homeruns in Heaven.

C. E. Chalker

January 7, 2002

It was with great sorrow to read that Adrian had passed away, it brought back many fond memories to me, I was the batboy for the Tars when Adrian pitched for them and was his room mate on several road trips, he always treated me as he did his team mates.

Later I was lucky enough, while in the navy to see him pitch against the St. Louis Cards in New York, after which he was nice enough to take me to Jack Dempsey's for dinner. He was a really nice person, and he beat the Cards that day.

Sincerely,

C.E. Chalker

Tammy Wood

January 7, 2002

Rosemary, Robbie and Jami, my heartfelt sympathies. God bless you.

Kay & Joyce Rich & Morgan

January 7, 2002

We Offer Our Condolences To The Zabala family,We all Loved Mr Zabala And Enjoyed Hearing About The Days When He Was A Pitcher.He Always Told Us Great Stories .He Will Be Deeply Missed.

David Gunnels

January 6, 2002

I offer my condolences to the Zabala family. I was priviledged one night to be Mr. Zabala's catcher in the old City Baseball League (probably in 1960 or 61. I remember he had an unique way to send a message to the umpire. After walking the second batter he motioned me to the mound where he handed me the ball and told me to ask for another ball because that one did not have any strikes in it. I must have had a big grin on my face because the umpire asked me why I was grinning and I told him exactly what Mr. Zabala had said. I got a new baseball and it must have had strikes in it because I don't recall Mr. Zabala walking any more batters that night.

Dave Gunnels

Kim Hinds

January 6, 2002

Adrian and Joy,

My thoughts are with you, as are my prayers. I love you both. Kim

Myron Samson

January 6, 2002

I always enjoyed watching Adrian pitch for the tars when I was a youngster. I will be 77 this September. How well I remember Durkee Field. I remember his son also as he taught me naughty words in Spanish when we were kids in Springfield Park. Quite a guy.

Clarence Sears

January 6, 2002

I'm 73 years old. When I was(approx) 12 years old Adrian Zabala was pitching for the Jacksonville Tars. He could speak very little English, but we loved him. He was my hero. The descendants of Mr. Zabala have my heartfelt condolences. Please never forget Adrian Zabala brought a lot of happiness and joy to thousands of people. What a great American. Clarence

Russell Caldwell

January 6, 2002

Adrian,jr. and family, May God grant you comfort in your loss. Russell Caldwell,Andrew Jackson class of 1960.

James (Billy) Tiencken

January 6, 2002

I am so sorry to hear of Adrians passing. I still remember watching him on the mound at the old Durkee Field. People that I know still talk about his talent as a ball player.

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