Joel J. Zapata passed away peacefully on Monday, June 3, 2024, surrounded by
the warmth and love of his wife. He was 80 years old. He was born on January 15,
1944 in Del Rio, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Natividad Zapata; three sisters,
Raquel, Abigail, and Ana; two brothers, Jose Leon and Eliu; and his in-laws, Ruben
and Ramona Macias.

Joel is survived by his wife of 46 years, Diana Zapata; his sisters, Eunice Zapata
and Berta Chapko; his brother, Leobardo Zapata; his sister in law, Donna
Cardenas; his brother in law, Gilbert (Charlotte) Macias, and Joel Macias;
numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and
nephews.

In March of 1977, Joel met the love of his life, Diana, while visiting family in San
Antonio, Texas. It was love at first sight. Joel knew he wanted to spend the rest of
his life with Diana. They were married on December 17, 1977. They were
inseparable and loved spending their time together.

They enjoyed traveling to some of their favorite places, San Francisco,
Washington D.C., Florida, Disneyland, and Disney World. Their love for sports had
them attending college football games at UT and UTSA, and of course the San
Antonio Spurs.

He received his Bachelor in Education from Sul Ross State University and a
Masters in Education from Our Lady of the Lake in 1988. Joel taught a total of 30
years at San Felipe High School and Del Rio High School in Del Rio, Texas and
Tafolla Middle School, Wheatly Middle School, and Jefferson High School in San
Antonio, Texas. Even after retirement he continued substituting at Northside ISD
because of his love for teaching. In 1987, Joel was selected along with other
teachers from other states to visit different schools in Moscow, Russia. Joel
enjoyed supporting all his student's extracurricular activities.

Joel was a man of faith and shared his faith with others. He attended Crossroads
Baptist Church. He was a husband, an uncle, a friend, a support system, someone
you could count on. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who
knew him.