At age, 82, on November 25, 2016, Victor “Papa” Zabala passed away after an approximate 15-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family at his death. Until the end, Victor remained his charming and quick witted self, generous as always and as active as his body would allow for. The family is forever grateful to the numerous medical teams spanning from UCSF to Fresno Cancer Center that kept his quality of life so high for so many years. Victor was born in San Jose, CA in 1934 to Ernestine and Salvador Zabala. He was the eldest of three sisters and one deceased brother. His wisdom, generosity, and deep love towards his family, produced years of unconditional support. He was particularly close to his surviving mother, Ernestine Zabala and celebrated her equally amazing life at her 100th birthday celebration in February 2015 (mariachi band included). That same dedication was present and has only developed when he met his wife, Peggy Joann Moates in 1956. Both having attended Salinas high school, met at a school dance during Peggy’s senior year there and Victor’s senior year at the University of Santa Clara. After graduating with a degree in Economics, shortly thereafter, Victor and Peggy married on October 27, 1957. They celebrated 60 years of marriage this year. Throughout their years of marriage, they shared a love for golf that led to the accrual of great friends, and great vacations all over the world. Victor’s draw toward agriculture and strong business sense led him to start Z and A
Sales in Los Banos, CA in 1964. In his later years, Victor became a pistachio farmer. As with any other endeavor he embarked on, he was fully committed and passionate. His grandchildren (young at the time) have fond memories of him excitedly bringing them on his morning drives to check on the trees. He remained active in the running of the orchard until his death. He equally remained active in his grandchildren’s lives and was always their biggest fan. Victor will be remembered for a multitude of roles, and excelling in each one. Ultimately though, he was a loyal, loving, and generous family man with the most infectious sense of humor, and his family will forever miss him. Victor is survived by his wife, Peggy, and their children: Victoria Zabala Calhoun, Valerie Zabala Rolph and husband, Craig, and Mitchell Victor Zabala and wife, Chris,; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. On Wed., November 30th from 5:00pm-7:00pm, a viewing will be held at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel (1840 Center Ave, Los Banos, CA 93635). A rosary will follow at 7:00pm. On Thurs., December 1st, at 10:00am, the funeral mass will occur at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (1621 Center Ave, Los Banos, CA 93635). Burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Victor’s name can be made to St. Joseph’s Building Fund (1516 Center Ave, Los Banos, CA 93635) or the charity of donors’ choice. Services under the direction of Whitehurst Funeral Chapel~Los Banos.