MARCH 28, 1934 – FEBRUARY 24, 2021
Jesse Zuniga passed away in his home in Aurora, CO on February 24, 2021.
Born in Dallas, Texas to Leon Zuniga and Aristea Vasquez, he was one of nine children. After Jesse completed the second grade, the family moved to Longmont, CO where he lived for most of his life. He grew up on a farm near Longmont and attended country school and Longmont High School.
Jesse worked as a Pressroom Supervisor for the Longmont Times Call, the Boulder Daily Camera, and the Denver Post for over 30 years. A member of the Newspaper Guild, Jesse retired in 1994. He told many colorful stories of his pressroom days and his childhood in Longmont.
Jesse was a beloved husband, preceded in death by wives Emma Morrow and Amelia Avalos, his parents Leon and Aristea, and brother Ray and sisters Blanca and Mary, and newborn son Jesse Jr. He is survived by wife Michele Parish. He was a loving father to Robert (Diana) (Nelly) Zuniga, Rose Womack, and Ron Zuniga; step-father to Roberta (Michael) Gaskin, Alberta Rangel, Robert (Judy) Rangel, Abi (Genea) Cunningham, and Rebekah (Benjamin) Griffith. Jesse was a cherished grandfather to Kristin, Jesse Manuel, Tony, David, Valerie, J.J., Russell, Becky, Rylan, Sean and Carys. He leaves great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws, friends, neighbors and co-workers who will miss him tremendously.
Jesse, a Broncos fan, loved working outdoors in his garden and yard, receiving many compliments from the neighbors, as well as building sheds, birdhouses, little free libraries, and other home improvements. He loved to travel, hunt, fish, tinker in the garage, or be stationed at the grill while surrounded by family. In recent years he enjoyed taking Landmark seminars and courses with his wife Michele.
Jesse was a member of Heart of Longmont United Methodist Church and more recently a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Aurora, CO, Jesse was a friendly face and open heart who always had time to listen.
Due to COVID, in person services will be limited to family only at St. Stephen’s in Aurora (www.ststephensaurora.org). All are welcome to join the service via Zoom, meeting ID 650 209 604, password 681861, on March 6, 2021 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations might be directed to the OUR Center in Longmont, CO where Jesse volunteered with a heart for the hungry and homeless (www.ourcenter.org).
