Ralph Ledesma Zavala

06/17/1923 - 10/19/2022

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Obituary For Ralph Ledesma Zavala

Ralph L. Zavala passed away peacefully on October 19 due to failing health in the last three months, he was 99 years old. He is survived by his children, Maria Tsopanakis (Gus, deceased) Ralph Zavala, Rose Schipfer (David) Camille Desinger (Robert). Grandchildren; Randal Smith, Ralph K. Zavala (Carey) Chris Schipfer, Lindsay Zavala, Sarah Barton (Tyler). Great-grandchildren; Ryan Zavala (Crystal) Ralph Jr Zavala, Andrew Zavala, Tegan Zavala. Great-great grandchildren; Cecilia Zavala and Michael Barton. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Helena D. Zavala. They were married on December 5, 1947. They renewed their vows at St Edward’s Catholic Church on May 30, 2008. Their best-man and Matron of Honor was her brother Thomas Dominquez and his wife Margie Dominquez. He is predeceased by an infant daughter Jenny Zavala.

He was born on June 17, 1923 in Michoacán, Mexico. He was named after his father, Rafael, but changed it to Ralph when he applied for his US citizenship. He was the fifth child of seven kids. His middle name, Ledesma was his mother’s maiden name, Regina Ledesma. He was a WWll Naval Veteran, served from May 1944 to Feb 1946, Seaman First Class in the Aleutian Islands. In the early 1950’s he worked for Pacific State Steel Mill till he retired. His experience with farm work and tractors enabled him to secure a job with Newark Unified School District as Gardner, and then he retired to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren. You could always find him working around the house and maintaining his cars. He really enjoyed playing the harmonica for the grandchildren. I remember my dad playing the guitar, but he never owned one. He was a devoted son, making his monthly drive from Newark to Mendota and Fresno so we could see our grandparents.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 4-8pm with a Vigil Service at 6pm at Fremont Chapel of the Roses, 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536. The final viewing will be held from 9-10am on Thursday, November 10, also at the chapel followed by a Graveside Service at 11am at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward.

Services

9 Nov

Visitation

05:00 PM - 06:00 PM

Fremont Chapel Of The Roses 1940 Peralta Blvd Fremont, CA 94536 Get Directions »
9 Nov

Vigil Service

06:00 PM

Fremont Chapel Of The Roses 1940 Peralta Blvd Fremont, CA 94536 Get Directions »
10 Nov

Viewing

09:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Fremont Chapel Of The Roses 1940 Peralta Blvd Fremont, CA 94536 Get Directions »
10 Nov

Graveside Service

11:00 AM

Holy Sepulchre Cemetery 26320 Mission Boulevard Hayward, CA 94544 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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  • Sacred Duty Spray

    Rose M Schipfer sent Sacred Duty Spray for Ralph Ledesma Zavala - November 02, 2022

    To our beloved Papa, we will miss you so much. Love Your Grandchildren, Chris, Jen, Sarah, Tyler and Michael

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