(Courtesy photo)
By ARABELLA SERRATA
editor@sbnewspaper.com
Colleagues, friends, and family are remembering the life and legacy of retired San Benito Fire Department (SBFD) Chief Raul Zuniga.
Zuniga passed away on Nov. 3 at Harlingen Medical Center. He was 66 years old.
According to his obituary, Zuniga was born in Harlingen in 1958 to Raul and Olivia Zuniga. Raul Zuniga grew up in Lozano, according to his brother Rick Zuniga. Raul was part of a large family consisting of Rick, and older sisters Rachel and Rosie Zuniga. The family was reared on a farm and ranch, where Raul developed his love for animals.
“Growing up in a very rural area, I remember being busy with BB guns and bikes. We both got our love for fishing and hunting from our dad, as we’re constantly outside. He also got his love for grilling and barbequing from my Dad. He (Raul) was always willing to cook for some event or fundraiser,” stated Rick Zuniga.
As he got older, Raul grew into athletics. He started in Little League baseball and eventually became an all-star pitcher and a third baseman.
“But where he dwarfed others was in his power-hitting. He could hit homeruns, almost at will,” Rick recalled.
When Raul Zuniga got to high school, he joined football and was one of few players from his school to make it to the varsity team as a freshman. In his later years at school, he made All-District, All-Area and All-Valley.
He graduated from Rio Hondo High School in 1977 and briefly attended what is now known as Texas A&M University — Kingsville (formally A&I) where he participated the rodeo program.
After working as an independent restaurant supply contractor, he found “his true calling” and joined the SBFD in 1983. During his service at the fire department, he climbed the ranks and eventually became the department’s fire chief.
According to a previous NEWS article, Zuniga was promoted after “28 years and nine months of service.” The promotion was effective on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012. His service to the community totaled over 30 years upon his retirement.
He is survived by his wife Gloria Zuniga, who he married in 1988. The couple recently celebrated 36 years of marriage. He is also survived by his daughter Emily, his son Jonathan, brothers Rick and Rudy, his sister Rosie, and a large extended family.
Raul was laid to rest on Nov. 8, 2024 at Mont Meta Memorial Park in San Benito.