A GOODBYE TO DR. JOE

By Juan Montoya

All tributes and condolences aside, we have lost a good man in Dr. Joseph Antonio Zavaletta.

Now we learn that the Zavalettas (and Zavaletas) also suffered the loss of one his daughters, Gina, who took care of her father to her dying day.

This act alone speaks volumes about the unity the Zavalettas have in their family.

In these times of personal grief, it is not unusual for some unkind soul to remember the human failings of the deceased. Perhaps they disagreed with their politics, their social behavior of their human weaknesses.

But let's remember that his sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, grandsons and granddaughters are enduring a huge personal loss and respect that. They don't need to be reminded of their loved one's peccadillos any more than the critics need to be reminded of their loved ones' when they are enduring this kind of overwhelming loss and personal grief.

Dr. Joe was an example of our dying generation that has given us so much when they themselves had so many social and institutional obstacles placed before them simply because society had not fully embraced the diverse nature of our nation.

Despite that, they – and their offspring – continue to contribute to the advancement and progress of our community. For than alone, we offer our pesames to the Zavalettas and their kin.

Adios Doctor.