Mario Alberto Zarate

Mario Alberto Zarate, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Friday, December 29, 2023, at the age of 64. Born on February 1, 1959, in Carrizo Springs, Texas, Mario was a warm and loving man who was adored by his friends and family.

Mario was a valued member of the Kingsville community. He worked for Texas A&M University in Kingsville as the grounds supervisor for 15 years. Outside of work, Mario found joy tailgating on Saturdays at the Javelina football games. When he wasn't cheering on the Javelinas, he was rooting for his favorite team: the Dallas Cowboys. Mario took great pride in his yard where his grass and plants were never thirsty and always treated with care. He cherished his family and valued every minute spent with his loved ones whether they were outside barbequing, listening to music and dancing, or relaxing inside and watching old western movies.

Mario is preceded in death by his parents Jose Maria and Christina Zarate, siblings Alonzo Zarate, Bernie Zarate, Jose S. Zarate, Ricardo Zarate.

Among those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 44 years, Iris N. Zarate, his precious children Juan J. (Angelica) Zarate, Mario (Priscilla) Zarate, Jr., Christina (Adriana Deleon) Zarate, Ashley (Casey) Morante, Bernice (Gilbert Acuna) Zarate, siblings Juan Zarate, Victor Zarate, Diana Hunt, Corina Lee, Gladys Brandt, Elaine Brashear, and Sara Santon, 22 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family will receive condolences at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary on Friday, January 19, 2024, beginning at 10:00 AM, with a rosary to be recited at 1:00 PM. Following the rosary, a funeral service will begin at 1:30 PM, and an interment will be held at Santa Gertrudis Cemetery at 2:30 PM.