Emiliano P. Zapata, 87, of New Braunfels, Texas, passed away on September 19, 2026. Over the course of his life, he spent more than four decades serving the United States Air Force in uniform and as a federal civilian, built a 66-year marriage with the love of his life, Velia, and became the steady, loving center of a family who knew they could always count on him.

Emiliano was born July 7, 1939, in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. At 19, he entered the United States Air Force and soon after met Velia. They married on July 18, 1960, beginning a partnership that would span all of their adult lives. Together they raised their family, traveled with the Air Force, built a home in New Braunfels and shared a life filled with joy, family and friendships and an open door for the people they loved.

Emiliano served more than 21 years on active duty, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1980. His assignments took him across the United States and overseas, including the Panama Canal Zone, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Much of his career was spent in civil engineering, pavements, grounds and construction. Over the years, he became known for his intelligence, technical ability, sound judgment and extraordinary work ethic. Again and again, his commanders described him as dependable, resourceful, respected and a natural leader…someone trusted with people, equipment and difficult jobs that simply had to be done right.

His military service earned numerous honors, including three Air Force Commendation Medals, but recognition was never what motivated Emiliano. He believed in doing his job well, taking responsibility and helping where he was needed. That quiet sense of duty continued after he retired from active service.

Emiliano went on to spend another 21 years as an Air Force civilian, working in civil engineering and facilities operations at Randolph and Brooks Air Force Bases and other Air Force organizations in the San Antonio area. He rose into supervisory and general foreman positions, overseeing people, equipment, pavements and grounds, and became known for the same steady leadership that had defined his military career. In 1991, he was nominated for Air Force Systems Command Civilian of the Year, one of many recognitions he received during his civilian career. Even after retirement, he stayed busy, including through the upholstery business he and Velia shared. Emiliano also served as a Scout Leader where he coached many great young men who continue to contribute to their communities including New Braunfels, many of whom remember him with great fondness.

As accomplished as Emiliano was, his family knew another side of him best. To many he was simply Zapata; to others, Dad, Wello, Nene, or Tio. He was intelligent and organized, but also funny, affectionate, generous and deeply caring. Being with him was easy. He loved to laugh, loved to tell stories and had a way of making the people around him feel welcome. With Emiliano, there was always a sense that what was his was yours and that if he could help you, he would.

No relationship meant more to him than the one he shared with Velia. He loved her deeply and, especially in their later years, cared for her with the same steadfast devotion that had defined their life together. Their home became a gathering place for generations of family and friends, including their dear lifelong friends Rocky and Elvira Villarreal. Velia preceded him in death only four months prior, after 66 years of marriage.

Emiliano also remained deeply connected to his family in Puerto Rico throughout his life. Distance and time never lessened those bonds. That same love extended to family and friends throughout Texas and beyond, the many places his life carried him.

He is survived by his sons, Juan Martinez and wife Barbara, and Richard Zapata and wife Michaela; grandchildren Michael Martinez and wife Mena, Andrea Guerra, Stephani Rodriguez and husband Ethan, and Stephin Zapata and wife Jen; great-grandchildren Colin, Gabriella, Abigail, Lily, Riyah, Olivia and Emil; and many beloved relatives and friends.

Emiliano accomplished an extraordinary amount in his 87 years, but the people who loved him will remember much more than what appears on a military record, an award or a resume. They will remember his laugh, his stories, his wisdom, his steadiness, his generosity and the comfort of knowing that he was there. He made the people he loved feel cared for, protected and at home, and that may be the greatest measure of the man he was.

Emiliano will be laid to rest with military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, alongside Velia, just as he wished. 

Please sign the guestbook at www.doeppenschmidtfuneralhome.com