Juan Zarate Jr.

Our beloved Juan was given the beautiful gift of life for 26 years when our Lord called him home on October 26, 2020, at Community Regional Medical Center of Fresno, California. Juan Zarate, Jr. (“IV”) was born on December 20, 1993 in Madera, California. Juan passed away suddenly because of an undetermined cause of death. Juan was a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, partner and friend who touched the lives of those around him.

Juan graduated from Madera High School where he enjoyed playing for their football team and other sports. He also attended Madera Community College. He was an adventurous traveler who loved to visit new places and people Juan was a humble young man with a huge heart of gold; he extended his hand in friendship and a smile without judgement to everyone he met. Juan devoted his life to his family who affectionately nicknamed him “Pelon” at a very young age. His close friends knew his as “Zarate” in his later years. He truly appreciated his friendships and being in the sheer company of family and friends. Juan was responsible and a hardworking man. He worked in the production industry for Sealed Air Company of Madera, as a machine operator, where he leaves behind many dear friends and co-workers.

Juan had so much capacity to bring happiness to others with a simple smile that was a bright shining light reflecting from his noble soul. We will profoundly miss him, but his memory will be cherished forever. Juan is loved here on earth as well as in heaven.

We know Juan has now joined his paternal grandmother Lydia Garcia-Zarate; his paternal cousin Cesar Alvarez-Zarate; and his maternal great-grandparents Benito and Tomasa Perez, in heaven.

Juan is survived by his parents Juan Zarate, Jr. (”III”), and Griselda Gastelum-Zarate: his brother Oscar and his sister Anissa. He also leaves his maternal grandparents, Jose Vidal and Olivia Gastelum and his paternal grandfather, Juan Zarate, Sr., (“II”). Juan is also survived by his niece Novalee Zarate; his partner, Crystal Gutierrez and daughters, Alize and Neveah, his aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and close friends who loved him dearly.

Please join our family to give Juan the memorial he deserves, to honor his memory and say our last goodbyes.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2020 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. followed by a Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 P.M. at Jay Chapel. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, only 10 people will be allowed in the Jay Chapel Building at one time. Masks are required.

Mass of Christian Burial will held on, Friday, November 6, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. St. Joachim Catholic Church, Madera, CA. Masks are required