Bonifacio Zapata

Bonifacio Zapata

September 12, 1952 - February 12, 2025

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Obituary

Bonifacio Martin Zapata, Jr., of Saginaw, Michigan passed away, Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Great Lakes Rehab Center in Saginaw, Michigan.

Bonifacio was born on September 12, 1952, to Bonifacio and Maxine Zapata.

Bonifacio was a huge NASCAR fan and for many years traveled with his family to Florida to watch the Daytona 500. He was a devoted fan of the Detroit Tigers, Lions, Pistons, and Red Wings. He was also a big U of M football and basketball fan. Bonifacio was employed at GM Saginaw Metal Casting Operations for over 40 years, retiring in 2020 due to illness. He was a member of UAW Local #668, Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, and the Knights of Columbus #593. Bonifacio was a very generous, caring and supportive person. He helped his siblings care for their parents for many years until their deaths. You could always find him cheering on his nieces, great niece and great nephew at their sporting events. He had a wonderful smile and contagious laugh. He will be greatly missed and will live forever in our thoughts, hearts and memories.

Bonifacio was preceded in death by his father, Bonifacio E. Zapata Sr., his mother, Maxine (Rocha) Zapata, his sister Agnes L. Zapata and a brother-in-law, Steve Cooper.

Bonifacio is survived by his beloved siblings, Sister Lucia Zapata, O.P of Grand Rapids, Lucy (Al) Cooper-Schexnaildre of Bay City, and Lori (Tomas) Munoz of Saginaw; three cherished nieces, Blanca (Chris) Ecker, Cecilia (Josh) Rusin, and Rebeca Munoz; one dear great niece, Zoe Olivia Ecker and one great nephew Christopher Thomas Ecker.

Visitation will take place Monday, February 24, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Road, Saginaw, MI 48603, with a vigil service held at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the Cathedral on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m.

FUNERAL Liturgy for Bonifacio will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48607. Right of Commital and Burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Saginaw, MI. Rev. Fr. Thomas McNamara will officiate.

Memorials in honor of Bonifacio may be made to the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption.

For information, please contact Deisler Funeral Home, 989-799-1151. For online condolences, please visit, www.deislerfuneralhome.com.

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AJ
A Memorial Tree was planted for Bonifacio Zapata Jr.
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Deisler Funeral Home
AR
Anthony Rocha
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Zapata family. sorry for your loss. it was the unique laugh that I can still hear even though it has been years. Praying for you all. God Bless!!! Incline, O Lord, Thine ear to our prayers, in which we humbly beseech Thy mercy, that Thou wouldst place the soul of Thy servant, which Thou hast caused to depart from this world, into the region of peace and light; and unite in the fellowship of Thy Saints. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
JG
Judy Grzesiak
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My husband grew up in the St. Rita's area and knew Ben from there. We both knew him from the Cathedral where he would come on Sunday, using his walker. He was always friendly and generous. He had such a hard time speaking after his stroke, but that didn't stop him from talking! We ran into him out at dinner several times and a couple of times, he joined us and then paid for our dinner too! We were sad to hear of his passing, but knew he had health problems. You, his family, are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Jim and Judy Grzesiak
FE
Felix Escareno
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I worked with Bonifacio at the Grey Iron Foundry for my 40 years. We had many laughs talking about the Races at Daytona 500. He would bring me hats from the many races he would attend. We shared many stories we both had from daily jobs at the foundry. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.

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