Raymond Zuniga

In Loving Memory of Raymond Zuniga (Monche)

With profound sorrow and abundant love, I share the story of my husband, Raymond Zuniga, who was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer two years ago. Even in the face of debilitating symptoms, Raymond faced his battle with dignity, strength, and unwavering faith. His belief in our Heavenly Father never wavered; even in his most challenging moments, he trusted that, when his time came, he would be welcomed into God's embrace.

Raymond and I, Melinda Zuniga, were married on April 14, 1979, celebrating 45 wonderful years together this year. Over our journey, we were blessed with three children: our daughters, Candiss Longoria and her husband Matthew Longoria, and Vanessa Hernandez and her husband Robert Hernandez Jr., and our son, Raymond Zuniga Jr.

As a grandfather, Raymond was affectionately known as "PaPaw" to our six grandchildren, who were his pride and joy: Alyssa Hollaway and her husband Jayston Hollaway, Gracie Soto, Sammy Soto, Robert Hernandez III, Aubrey Hernandez, and Natalie Hernandez. Raymond cherished each one of them, and they, in turn, brought so much happiness to his life.

Family meant everything to Raymond. He was a devoted brother, son, and friend, protective and deeply loving toward his siblings. Known affectionately as "Monche," a nickname lovingly given by his grandfather, he was a family man through and through. Raymond is survived by his father, Raymond Zuniga Sr.; his brothers, Michael Zuniga and wife Tina Zuniga, and Gabriel Zuniga and wife Wendy Zuniga; and his sister, Stella Cabrera, and her husband Edward Cabrera. He is also survived by two cherished brothers-in-law, Fernando Cantu and his wife Bonnie Cantu, and Eric Gonzalez, along with his fathers-in-law, Fernando Cantu and Roberto Sotelo. Raymond's legacy is shared with many nieces and nephews who each held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Guadalupe "Lupe" Zuniga, his brother-in-law Lorenzo Cantu, and his mother-in-law, Maria Sotelo.

Raymond had a deep love for life and a passion for many things. A devoted fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the L.A. Dodgers, he loved spending time at family gatherings on Cartwright Street, hosting cookouts, listening to Tejano music, and keeping his truck immaculate. However, his greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and everyone he held close.

Known for his straight talk, Raymond never held back, always saying things as he saw them. God came first in his life, and his pride in his home, family, work, and faith was unmistakable to all who knew him. He never met a stranger and welcomed everyone into his heart and home with open arms.

Although our hearts are heavy with his loss, we find solace in the legacy he leaves behind-a legacy that lives on in all of us: his family, friends, and everyone blessed enough to have known him.

With love and gratitude,

Melinda Zuniga and Family