Emiliano “Zapata” Baldonado, age 77, of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away Wednesday, March 21, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.
Zapata was born on January 5, 1941 to the late David and Julia (Saenz) Baldonado in Brownsville, Texas. He married the love of his life Enedina Casillas on October 30, 1963 and she survives him in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Along with his wife, Zapata is survived by his daughters: Nina Mominee; Julia Rios; and Josefina Garner all of Bowling Green, Ohio; sons: Andy (Kira) Baldonado of Anna, Ohio; and Albert Baldonado of Bowling Green, Ohio; sisters: Sara Leal of Brownsville, Texas; Julia Taylor of Portage, Ohio; and Luisa Vasquez of Brownsville, Texas; 18 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. Along with his parents Zapata was preceded in death by a daughter: Emilia Martinez; grandson David Garner; brothers: David, Isidro, and Ramon; sisters Juanita, and Josefina.
Zapata worked as a material handler at Midwest Stamping until his retirement in 1999. He was a member of St. Aloysius Church. Zapata enjoyed fishing, caring for his garden, and bird watching. He liked to grill for family cookouts. Zapata was the self-proclaimed Mayor of Mermill. He loved listening to Tex-Mex & ranchera music, spending time with family, and spoiling his grandchildren.
Visitation for Zapata will be held on Sunday, March 25, 2018 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM in the Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home & Crematory, P.O. Box 648, Bowling Green, OH 4302, where a Rosary Service will be held at 5:00 PM. Zapata’s Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 10:00 AM in the St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 150 South Enterprise Street, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402. Interment will immediately follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions in Zapata’s memory may be made out to Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home & Crematory P.O. Box 648, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402.
Hanneman Family Funeral Homes is honored to serve Zapata’s family and encourage those to share a fond memory or condolence by visiting www.hannemanfh.com.
