Raul F. Zuniga, 103, died peacefully, April 2, 2025 with his family by his side.
Raul was born June 15, 1921, the son of Jose and Francisca Bernal Torres. Raul had eight siblings who all preceded him in death and all lived in Mexico. He proudly served in the United States Army during World War II. On October 11, 1944 he married Virginia Cerda. Together they raised ten children. Raul was a man of great faith and devotion; he would pray to Our Lady of Guadalupe every day. Faith and family were a major part of him living a long and beautiful life. He was a big Chicago Sports fan, enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles and loved Tootsie Roll Candies . Raul always thought of others before himself. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his children, Tony Zuniga, Frances (Richard) Smith, Patricia (Hector) Castro, Carol Zuniga, Lawrence (Kim) Zuniga, Cynthia (Angel) Estevez, Jessica Howard, Phillip (Carmen) Zuniga, Robert Zuniga, and Thomas (Peggy) Zuniga, 27 grandchildren and 48 great grandchildren and by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Virginia, son-in-law, Tom Howard and daughter-in-law, Barbara Zuniga. granchildren, Debbie Gleeson, and Phillip Zuniga. and Lisa Towers granddaughter-in-law.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 4-8pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 10am with visitation one hour prior all at St. Mary Catholic Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will be at Mary Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Vetsroll.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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So sorry Zuniga Family. Raul was loved by so many. You all have a great legacy to honor.
There are many feelings of sadness and sorrow for the passing of my Grandfather! He is deeply loved and missed by many. His imprint and legacy is unparalleled. I find myself astonished and inspired by his story and the way he lived his life with love, kindness, and compassion. Challenges and obstacles never wavered his faith! He lived guided by purpose and principle. He sacrificed for his country and family and is a hero in my eyes. He will forever be in our hearts and has enriched our memories with his presence. He represented goodness and righteousness; and I’m both humbled and proud to have learned values and lessons from him. 103 years has been a blessing and gift on earth, and now he will be an Angel for eternity. May he rest in peace and rejoice in heaven.
So sorry Jessica for your loss. I know you will be missing his company now. And thankfully he passed on his faith to you, so you know that his soul is eternal and never dies. When we have loved someone so much and know that his soul goes on loving, it brings joy to our hearts, even at this time of sadness. God blessed him abundantly here on earth with a very long life, and even with the ability to keep his independence and all of his senses up to the end. His tremendous faith in Jesus and love for Mary were rewarded with a loving wife and so many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. How beautiful!!! If God gave him so much in this life, just imagine how much He is giving him now. And I know that your dad is still praying for you all to trust in Jesus always and ask His mother Mary for help in times of need. Our condolences to all of your family. May Raul rest in eternal peace, Amen. With love from Coleen and Tommy. xx
I am so sorry to hear of your father's death. He certainly lived a full life. I remember him as a very friendly and gentle soul. I am sure he will be missed by all of his family.
So sorry for your loss. What an amazing life to celebrate!