Hector Joe Zavala

Hector Zavala of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Tempe, passed away on April 28, 2026, in Mesa at the age of 67.

Hector was born on October 14, 1958, in Tempe to Paul and Rosie Zavala. He was raised in Mesa and graduated from Westwood High School with the Class of 1976. Known to those who loved him, he was Mahoney, Dad, TaTa, Tio, Uncle Tio, Cunado, and his favorite, Pilingo! Recognized for his quick wit, warmth, and unmistakable charm, Hector had a gift for making people smile. He loved sharing the stories and jokes he carefully prepared and never missed a chance to brighten someone’s day with laughter.

Hector dedicated many years of service to the City of Mesa, where he worked in the Solid Waste Department as an Equipment Operator II. He earned the respect of his coworkers through his strong work ethic and the same humor that defined his life outside of work. After retirement, Hector enjoyed helping Dayna with daily chores, cooking, and caring for their new puppy, Carolina.

He found his greatest joy in time spent with his beloved wife, Dayna. Together, they shared a love of travel and adventure, visiting places such as London, Iceland, the Bahamas, Paris, and Grenada, though Hawaii always held a special place in his heart. They especially enjoyed bringing their grandchildren along whenever they could.

Hector’s grandchildren were his world. He loved randomly texting them “words” just to let them know he was thinking about them. He also loved spending hours on the phone with family members and friends, often relaxing in his recliner while chatting and catching up with those he loved.

Hector enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: music, dancing, caring for everyone around him, making his famous refried beans and salsa, and his favorite daily trips to Fry’s. He was also a devoted Arizona sports fan and faithfully followed all Arizona teams north of the Gila River. He never missed a Diamondbacks, Cardinals, or Suns game.

Hector loved movies, especially romantic comedies and Westerns, with his all-time favorite being The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. He also loved flowers and filled the house with them daily, bringing beauty and warmth into the home he shared with Dayna.

Hector will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Dayna; his children, Lydia, Hector II (Corky), David (Melissa), Martin, and stepdaughter Lindsey; his grandchildren, Liana, Vincent, Hector, Manuel, Christina, Graciela, Lucia, Bane, and Clara; his siblings, MaryAnn and Joe, Ralph (Chiqui) and Gail, and Laura and Gabe; his brother-in-law, Curtis (Debi); his sisters-in-law, Brittany (Johnny), Sara (Jacob), and Kelly (Bryce); and many cherished tios, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul; his stepmother, Esther; his mother, Rosie Zavala; his niece, Stephanie Zavala; and his sisters-in-law, Tawnee Thurber and Rachel Davis.

Hector’s legacy of laughter, kindness, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him