Obituary of Bonifacio Zapata Jr.

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.