Born March 8, 1957, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at home and surrounded by his family. After several years, he succumbed to stomach cancer. Mario was born in Toppenish, Washington and lived most of his life in Kennewick, Washington. He attended elementary, middle school and high school in Kennewick. He was a truck driver for Oxarc and MSA-Hanford, Teamsters, Local Union No. 839. Previously, he worked for Zavaleta Trucking, Air Liquide and Martinez Trucking. He also ran his own business--Mario Zavaleta Drywall and Construction Company. Mario was a dedicated and loving husband to his wife Tina Alaniz Zavaleta and a proud father of his sons Mario Jr. and Nicholas (Niko) and his daughters Michelle Gonzalez and Marcy (Mike) McWain. His grandchildren, who will remember his laugh, love and kindness, include Mario Gabriel and Maddex Gonzalez, and Adriana M. Kidwell, and Christian M. McWain. One of Mario's enduring qualities was his quick and funny wit and playing around with his kids and grandchildren. Mario was a dog person and his dog Rocky, a Chihuahua and Nala, were often at his side. Joy was present in his life through his dogs. He often got down on all fours to play with Rocky. As faithful members of South Hills Church for many years, Mario and Tina have made some long-lasting friends who have provided support, love and assistance. Mario and Tina thank them so much. Sports were a fond passion in Mario's life. As a devoted Dallas Cowboy he was a collector of Cowboy souvenirs. His memorabilia covered his bedroom walls and many shelves in Tina's and his home. On his days off you could find him in front of the TV watching sports of any kind. He had his favorite football and baseball teams. His family and close friends knew not to disturb this ritual otherwise he would call foul play. As a sports addict, he coached his sons' football and baseball teams for many years. He enjoyed camping and fishing at Wallowa Lake in Oregon and he received his regular exercise by working on his yard. Many of his neighbors have been impressed by the meticulous care he took of his lawn. The deck on the rear of the house, that overlooks the Tri-Cities, was Mario's favorite place to sit in the mornings and evenings where he enjoyed the spectacular view. He cherished the cruises to the Cayman Islands and Alaska that he made with his wife and two of their best friends. Mario was a generous, patient person and known for his charismatic smile. He donated his time to construct different churches in Tri-Cities. Tina would like to thank the professional RN's, LPN's, CNA's and staff from Trios Southridge Hospital; Dr, Ness, Dr. Hong, Dr. Mueller, Dr. Larsen, Dr. Kohan, Dr. Dizon and the staff from Hospice at The Chaplaincy for their loving care. And thank you to friends and co-workers who have offered their sincere condolences. Mario was a brave man. He fought cancer and beat it before, but unfortunately not this time. He will be missed by many, but remains in our thoughts and hearts. Mario was preceded in death by his father, Manuel R. Zavaleta Sr., grandparents, Abraham and Paula Zavaleta; aunt and uncle, Aurora and Frank Zavaleta Sr.; and beloved sister and brother Maria D. Zavaleta and Manuel Zavaleta, Jr. Many of Tina's sisters and brother were very close to Mario and they will miss him dearly. Mario was richly blessed with a large and caring family including many sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and cousins who will also miss him. He is survived by his beloved wife, daughters, sons, grandchildren; mother, Concepcion "Concha" Zavaleta, sisters: Celia Zavaleta, Janie (Margarito) Candanoza, Irma (Jesse) Trevino, Elva (Juan) Rojas, Molly (Juan) Leal, Gloria Zavaleta, Estella (Juan) Mendoza, Lisa Zavaleta and brothers: John (Christy) Zavaleta, Arnold (Patty) Zavaleta, Rolando (Mary Lou) Zavaleta, Rene Zavaleta, and many nieces and nephews. The viewing is Friday, August 14, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home, 1401 S Union St., Kennewick, WA. The Church Service is on Saturday, August 15 at 10:00 a.m. at South Hills Church, 3700 W. 27th Ave., Kennewick, WA 99337. Memorial contributions may be made at the following website: mariozavaletadeck.com.