NESTOR ZAPATA
June 28,1932—January 15, 2026
New York City, New York
For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:1 See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the
place I have prepared. Exodus 23:20
Nestor Benjamin Zapata went home to the Risen Jesus on January 15, 2026 at age 93.
Nestor was born to Nestor Ulises Zapata and Ana Mangual on June 28, 1932 in Mayaguez,
Puerto Rico. As a child, he excelled in school, theater and sports. With leading roles in plays at George Washington High School in Washington Heights, New York. He was also an avid baseball and basketball player. He loved playing golf with his friends. He also was an
excellent ice skater that few professionals could rival.
Nestor met his first wife, Connie in 1952 at a church dance. They married two years later on
July 13, 1954 and had four children: Nestor, Michael, Laura and Christina. Also many
grandchildren: Zechariah, Nicole, Dillon, Tyler, Dane and Alexandra, Ashley and Alaina, as well as his beloved great grandchild—Oliver.
He later met his current wife, Grace and married November 5, 1999. They loved going to
meetings to celebrate the gift of sobriety, as well as helping many people along the journey. They also enjoyed going to Lincoln Center, Radio City and Broadway—seeing Hamilton
twice! They also acquired an incredible taste for New York City Cuisine.
Nestor Benjamin Zapata was 93 years old, a true New Yorker (he was loud and bold),
cherished his kids, grandkids and his wife, Grace. He shouldn't have lived a long life
given his past, but the decisions he made and the Grace of God allowed him to live
until he was called to Heaven—a blessing. I will never take that for granted. If you
ever had a chance to meet him, I bet you'd laugh right away thinking about his
hilarious (and unfiltered) sense of humor. There was never a dull moment with
Grandpa, and his memory lives on with endless inside jokes. Love you Grandpa!
From your "favorite granddaughter," Ashley.
In addition to being a dedicated father, Nestor also loved the New York Yankees and the
New York Giants, also stayed active in AA; sponsoring many men and holding various roles at the Church. He also will be remembered for umpiring Little League on Roosevelt Island. He held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants. Psalm 116:15
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Family—St. John the Evangelist Church.
New Title
Click Here for Livestream Mary Ginty Visitation: Monday August 24, 2026 9am-930 AM John Krtil Funeral Home 1297 1st Ave New York, NY 10021 Funeral Mass: Monday August 24, 2026 10 AM St. John Nepomucene 411 E66th St New York, NY 10065 Private Cremation
Thomas F. Burchill III Funeral Mass: Tuesday August 18, 2026 10 AM Church of St. Ignatius Loyola 980 Park Ave New York, NY 10028 Inurnment: Tuesday August 18, 2026 1 PM Calverton National Cemetery 210 Princeton Blvd Calverton, NY 11933
Pilar Sierra Visitation: Sunday August 9, 2026 2pm - 7pm John Krtil Funeral Home 1297 1st Ave New York, NY 10021 Funeral Mass: Monday August 10, 2026 10 AM St. John Nepomucene 411 E66th St New York, NY 10065 Private Cremation
Betty Jane Sloan Visitation: Monday August 3, 2026 4pm - 7pm John Krtil Funeral Home 1297 1st Ave New York, NY 10021 Private Cremation
Pauline Torres
Alexander H. Beard, Jr Funeral Service Saturday August 29, 2026 St. Bartholomew's Chuch 2pm 325 Park Ave New York, NY 10022
Henry "Imrich" Michtalik Visitation: Thursday July 9, 2026 2pm - 8pm John Krtil Funeral Home 1297 1st Ave (between East 69th St & East 70th St) New York, NY 10021 Funeral Mass: Friday July 10, 2026 10 AM St. John Nepomucene 411 E66th St New York, NY 10065 Burial: Gate of Heaven Cemetery Hawthorne, NY
Sylvia Hochfield
Peter A. Howland
Angelina G. Sepe Visitation: Friday May 15, 2026 3pm-8pm John Krtil Funeral Home 1297 1st Ave New York, NY 10021 Funeral Mass: Saturday May 16, 2026 10AM St. John Nepomucene 411 E66th St New York, NY 10065 Burial: Saturday May 16, 2026 St. Raymond Cemetery 2600 Lafayette Ave Bronx, NY 10465