Tributes

Edmundo M. Zaragoza, born March 2, 1944, entered into eternal rest on December 18, 2022 at the age of 78. He was born in Del Rio, TX to Ignacio and Josefa Zaragoza. Edmundo graduated from San Felipe High School in 1963 and went on to obtain a B.A. at TX A&I University in Kingsville, TX. After graduation, he moved to San Antonio where he began teaching History and coaching football at Harlandale HS. As a young teacher, he developed what became life-long friendships with some of his students; some of which remained close friends up until the end. In 1970 he married Eloise Rendon and together they had four daughters, which they raised on the Southside of San Antonio in the Harlandale community. He began and ended his career as a public servant showing his true dedication to helping others by working with organizations, such as the Economic Opportunities Development Corporation (EODC) and Southside Neighborhood Assistance Corporation (SNAC) in the early 1970's. In 1971 he ran for the Harlandale ISD School Board, and became the first Mexican-American elected to that board. He went on to become the Board President. This was the beginning of a life-long career dedicated to the Harlandale and Southside community. Edmundo was the epitome of a public servant. He loved his community with his whole heart. He was a man of great faith and was dedicated to his church and to all those he served on the Southside of San Antonio. In 1991, he was appointed as Justice of the Peace to what is now Precinct 1, and was then elected to the position in 1994. He was known for being honorable, dedicated, compassionate, humble and fair. What he loved most about this position was having the ability to help so many people whom always simply referred to him as "Judge". He continued to be re-elected and held his position until his retirement in 2015. He loved politics and worked tremendously hard on every election he ran in, with or without an opponent. Due to his many supporters and hard work, he never lost one race his entire political career. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eloise, his beloved wife of 49 years, and his beautiful daughter Veronica. He is survived by his daughters, Elisa Zaragoza-Garcia (Reggie), Yvette Duarte (Richard) and Dolores Zaragoza, grandchildren: Dominique, Matthew, Valencia, Nathaniel and Alejandra, brothers: Ignacio Zaragoza, Robert Zaragoza and Hector Zaragoza, as well as beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. Edmundo has left this earth, but his light and his legacy live on. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to St. Lawrence Catholic Church in San Antonio, or to your own preferred House of Worship.

Tributes

Edmundo M. Zaragoza

March 2, 1944 - December 18, 2022