Miguel S. Zavaleta

Miguel S. Zavaleta was born on September 7, 1926 to Matilde Sanchez and Constantino Zavaleta in Orizaba, Veracruz. He passed away on February 13, 2019, in Whittier, California, at the age of 92.

Miguel grew up as a single child in Orizaba, and Mexico City. He loved to play soccer and continued to play as a young adult.

Miguels first job was a chauffeur for a family in Mexico. His next job was as a Maintenance Engineer at a Dairy. While working as an Industrial Sewing Machine repairman he was voted union secretary. He went on to become an Industrial Sewing Machine Carpenter in Los Angeles. He had strong work ethics and a strong moral compass.

It was at one of the union meetings where Miguel met his future wife, Evangelina G. Echeveste. They parted and both went on to live their separate lives. A few years later they met again while riding the same bus. Dad, being the gentlemen that he was, was assisting a woman with her child. Mom was delighted when she learned it was not his wife. They reconnected and were never apart for the next 69 years.

Being an only child, he aspired to having a large family. He worked very hard, prospered and moved the family to the United States. He wanted his children to have a better life.

He succeeded in having a large family: eight children, twelve grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren with one on the way. He was proud of all his children who are successful and have loving families of their own. He would often pause at family functions and comment on how happy he felt to see the family together at family events. He loved music and dancing at family functions. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a bit of a prankster. He would hide car keys, glasses or purses and would attempt to cheat while playing dominos with friends and family. On the weekends he would take the family on outings to the beach, mountains or drive-in. Before departing, he would take roll call. When he was satisfied everyone was present, he would end roll call by saying carro and honk the horn twice. Off we went!

Dad retired from the Industrial Sewing Machine Company and continued to work part time for a few years. He always found something to keep him busy as he had many interest and hobbies. Dad enjoyed traveling as well.

The only thing that slowed him down was dialysis several times a week. At the prime age of 92, he lost his battle to renal failure.

His legacy is his family. He is survived by:
Wife: Evangelina
Sons: Mario and wife Sandra, Mike and wife Pauline, Gonzalo and wife Pennie, and Joe. Daughters: Rose Lawrence, Carmen and husband Danny, Eva and husband Rafael, and daughter in-law, Cris Zavaleta.
Grandchildren: Mario and wife Rosalinda, Erik and wife Susan, Anthony and wife Cecilia, Ernie and wife Amber, Tommy and wife Cecilia, Caryn, Chad and wife Juliette, Christina, Ryan, Noelle and Jessie.
Great grandchildren: Andrew, Andy, Madison, Troy, Brianna, Leia, Anthony, Michael, Hayden, Andrew, Luke, Gaby.

Miguel was preceded in death by his son, Henry "Hank" Zavaleta; son-in-law, Meade Lawrence; and grandson, Michael Zavaleta.