Tributes

Robert Zamudio, 69, passed away at his home on Tuesday, June 21, 2016. He positively impacted many, and will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. Robert was born Feb. 13, 1947, to Salvador and Enriqueta Zamudio in San Antonio, Texas. As a young man eager to help his nation, learn valuable skills and see the world, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1969-1973 where he received the National Defense Service Medal. He never got stationed anywhere exotic or too far away like he pictured in his head. He was stationed as far away as Meridian, Miss. Despite not serving in a foreign location, he gained valuable skills working with his hands, specifically as an electronics mechanic on radios. Following his four years of service he took up a job with the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller, and then as a mechanic working maintenance on radio towers. He worked for the FAA from 1974-2013. Robert was known for constantly being on the move, staying busy with home improvement projects or anything that required mechanical prowess. One of his greatest projects was building his two-story house in San Antonio from the ground up from his own, unique blueprints and with little help. He and his wife, Gloria, spent endless, grueling hours erecting their dream home. Some nights he slept in the incomplete shell of his house to deter those who attempted to steal his lumber and tools. His children endured it too, from being on-site to the hours at hardware store aisles while their father pieced together his grand vision. Robert was always lending his helping hands. Many times, no matter the conditions — rain or shine, late or early, bitterly cold or blisteringly hot, he was there in a timely fashion to help when called on. If anybody had vehicle troubles, he was always there in a jiffy, to get them back on the road to the quickest of his abilities. He loved taking things apart, fixing them and putting them back together. His greatest accomplishment was being a husband and father. He loved unconditionally, and was always giving encouragement and praise. When times ever got tough, he got tougher. He always kept his composure, and never backed down from an obstacle or challenge. He maintained the utmost respect, gave it and received it from all those around him. He constantly drove those he loved to not be followers, and to blaze their own trails as leaders. He stressed the value of education. His knack was math, and there were nights he spent with his children working their homework with them, sometimes taking hours on one problem. He drilled fundamentals and the correct method in their heads. In return, he was overwhelmed with joy to see all four of his children receive college degrees and start gaining success in their fields of work. He loved getting together with his family. Holidays and celebrations were obvious get-togethers, but he also enjoyed the random Taco Tuesdays or Cowboys or Spurs game watching party with his family. He didn't need a reason to get together, but as long as he was surrounded by his family he was happy. He frequently let down his serious demeanor and shared a laugh with those around him. He loved the open highway, and enjoyed traveling with his friends and family. He drove as far north as Canada, as deep south as Acapulco, Mexico, as west as the Pacific Ocean and east to the Atlantic, all in the name of summer vacations. He experienced the United States from the hustle and bustle of New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles to the serene, peaceful settings of Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon and Cape Cod, to name a few of his destinations. His aim on his trips were always togetherness and bonding, but there were guaranteed educational elements and many moments of valuable memories peppered from pit-stop to pit-stop. His passengers had the pleasure of his grand storytelling during the many miles he was behind the wheel in the middle of nowhere traveling on the open road. Survivors include his wife and love of his life for the past 46 years, Gloria Zamudio; daughter Liza Zamudio of San Antonio, Texas; daughter Debra Zamudio of San Antonio, Texas; son Justin Zamudio and wife Pamela of Austin, Texas; and daughter Vanessa Justiss and husband Kevin of San Angelo, Texas. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Daniel Zamudio, Michael Pursley, Christina Zamudio, Liliana Zamudio and Isaac Justiss; and a sister, Sylvia Valdez and husband Jack and niece Allegra of San Antonio, Texas He is preceded in death by his parents, Salvador and Enriqueta Zamudio. SERVICES A rosary service will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at Oak Hills Mortuary in San Antonio, Texas. Visitation begins at 5 p.m. before the rosary. A funeral procession will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, June 30, 2016, at Oak Hills Mortuary followed by a Mass at San Fernando Cathedral at 9:30 a.m., then burial with military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11:15 a.m

Tributes

Robert Zamudio

February 13, 1947 - June 21, 2016