George Zambrano
May 13, 1956 ~ February 17, 2009
Resided in:
Pueblo West, CO
George 'Mr. Z' Zambrano, 52, passed away Feb. 17, 2009, following a long battle with cancer. Survived by his wife, Debbie Zambrano of the family home in Pueblo West; and children, George Zambrano 'JR' and Jennifer Zambrano. He is also survived his by mother, Rosa Zambrano of Grand Junction, CO., 6 brothers and sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his son, Tony Zambrano and his father. George was born to Odilon and Rosa Maria Zambrano on May 13, 1956, in El Paso, Texas. He was a revered music director at Skyview Middle School in Pueblo West. He was a member of Colorado Music Education Association, Music Educators National Conference, National Education Association, American Choral Directors Association, Lower Arkansas Valley Music Educators, Pueblo Municipal Band, Pueblo Choral Society, CSU-Pueblo Wind Ensemble and Southern Colorado Concert Band of Canon City. Viewing from 3 to 6 p.m. today in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel. Recitation of the Rosary, 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009, and funeral Mass, 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 23, 2009. Both services at St. Joseph Church in Grand Junction., Colo. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Grand Junction, Colo. A celebration of George's life will be held in Pueblo at a later date. Those who desire may make memorials to the George L. Zambrano Memorial Fund, through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, Colo. 81003. Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com
Dear Zambrano Family,
I am sorry to hear of George’s passing!! And I’m sorry it has taken me this long to post a message on this website.
I met George when I was a music student at ASC in the early 90’s. We sat together in the college community band, under the direction of Dr. Kerry Hart. I always enjoyed laughing and playing music with George! He was such a character! Always positive, fun, happy, and FUNNY! After college, it was always great to run into him at CMEA or for the marching band regionals here in Springs. A couple of years ago, I met Debbie and the three of us sat together, shivering from the cold that October evening watching the marching bands perform….that was fun.
I really thought he was going to beat the cancer. May he be the guardian in heaven that we all need. May you always know how much he loved his family.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Mr. Zambrano. I was the La Junta Marching Dynamite and La Junta High School Color-Guard Instructor from 1984 – 1986 while Mr. Z was teaching here in La Junta. He was a wonderful mentor/boss and will always have a special place in my memories. May God Bless you all and help you though this difficult time.
To the Zambrano Family:
On behalf of the Adams State College Music Department, I would like to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of George. I only met him a couple of times, but he was very nice and supportive of the ASC students when he was here for Homecoming last fall. The ASC community has lost a good friend.
I met George the first year I worked at Center Schools. He was always a positive, caring person and gave his all for students, even when going through professional turmoil. He had a center he did not lose track of. He helped my daughter develop as a flutist and was a good friend. I will miss him. Sheri Shortridge
We send our thoughts and prayers to George’s family. We knew George from many years ago as music students at UNC, and he has been a steady customer of our music publications over the years. Walter always enjoyed talking to George at the state music conferences, and we know he has passed his love of music on to so many students. Take care.
To the Family of George Zambrano,
I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I did not know George on a personal basis, but I did visit with him at the Adams State College class reunion held in the fall.
May happy memories bring the family comfort and peace. May God Bless You.
George and Debbie were my friends when they lived in the San Luis Valley. I was so very sad to hear he had lost his long-faught battle with cancer. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. George was one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known. I know he will be greatly missed.
With love and deep sympathy,
Paula Fellows
Del Norte Secondary Music Director
Del Norte, CO
Deb, I’ve got a card for you, but I need your address. My e-mail is part of this submission, but I guess you’ll need to get it from your funeral director. God bless you and your children.
George was a fraternity brother in college and later directed the community band summers in the SLV.
We will miss his enthusiasm and I will miss a good friend.
I first knew George in the Pueblo Municipal Band. We chatted on a number of occasions, and although I was aware of his illness I never heard him complain. I became better acquainted with him when we played together in the clarinet section of the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra and I learned what a fine player and a really nice guy he was. He will be missed.
Although I did not know George but for just a short time, his impact was profound. He kept the most amazingly positive attitude during his fight with cancer. This I will never forget along with his compassion and generosity towards others. God Bless!
George was a wonderful friend and a tremendous person. Working with him in Gospel Choir and then as teachers together will always be close to my heart. His dry sense of humor was always so much fun and even through his illness, he still put others first. He will be sadly missed, but not forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,Deb, Jennifer and JR.
To the Zambrano family,
My deepest sympathy for the passing of George. He was such an inspiration to everyone who knew him. He fought his battles so hard and without complaint. We will miss him in the Pueblo West music community. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Dear Zambrano family,
We were truly saddened for the loss of such a great person. We will always remember the family dinners you shared with the Casados family and ours and The fact that we have not had a great band teacher in Center since. Our condolences
George was one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. He never let his pain show. He had so much strength and courage and he just kept going on with the hope that everything would be OK. He was involved in everything that had to do with music. There will definitely be a void now that he’s gone.
Dear Zambrano Family — I was saddened at the news of George’s passing and going to be with our Lord. I was a substitute teacher for Center Schools for over 11 years and had the honor of being his sub several times. His lesson plans were always very much in order and his classes a joy to teach. He always made sure I remembered his password to get on his computer and many times would burst out in song with “Rosa, Rosa, Rosa” and I in turn would sing “yes and yes and yes”! No one ever knew what we were singing about. Sincerely, with Love and Prayers…
We would like to send our sincere condolences to all of Mr. Z’s family. Our hearts are truly saddened to hear of your loss. We first met George at Pitts middle school and then at Holy Family Church. He fought hard for so long. Rest in peace George you are in God’s hands now. Love The Huggins Family
Having known George since Jr. High is such a blessing! My first memory of him, as the kid with the clarinet and a smile will stay with me always! I believe out of our 103 member GJHS band, he was the only one to go on to teach.
I was privileged to spend time with George at the Sanctuario de Chimayo several times after his diagnosis. His upbeat attitude and steadfast faith were in inspiration to me.
My heart and prayers are with all of Georges family.
Deb, George, and Jen,
I was so sorry to hear of Georges passing. I remember how much he loved working with the kids and his involvement with music projects. Please know that our prayers are with all of you. Cathi
My heart goes out to all of the family during this hard time in your lives. I remember George being a band director here in the San Luis Valley and had the honor to work with him at a 4th of July Fireworks show. Take Care & God Bless
Dear Debbie and family, I am very sorry for the loss of a very special person-your husband and father. It was a honor to have taken care of George during his journey with cancer. He always faced his many trials with courage, hope and faith. And no matter how bad he felt, I knew that each morning when I walked into his room I would be greated with a smile and a positive outlook for the day. I will remember George as a true SURVIVOR and a GREAT person.
I would like to take the time and say sorry to the family. I’m very sorry about your loss and hope you can be strong as a family and be bless that he’s with you in spirit
George if anything or you need someone to talk to.. Remember I’m just a phone call away. God Bless all of you!!! Take care and be strong..
I’d like to express my condolences to all of George’s family. I always had hope that he would overcome this.
I can remember when George first came to Skyview Middle School. I was the secretary and I remember how excited and energetic he was to start his new position. He made teaching his students his priority.
When he was diagnosed with cancer he still kept his hopeful attitude and always had a smile on his face.
My fondest memory that I will always remember is when he was in the hospital and The Barber Shop Quartet came and sang for him. I was glad to have shared that joyous time.
I will miss him.
Our sincere condolences as you grieve the loss of George. Words don’t seem to be enough to express our feelings sometimes, but may God comfort you with wonderful memories of your times together.
Much love, Jeff and Pam Taylor
I played with George in Pueblo Municipal band. I was always amazed at his upbeat attitude. I will miss him at rehearsals. Rest in peace,George and may your family find peace too.
I played clarinet with George the last few years in the CSU-P wind band. He always came and played his best, even when he wasn’t feeling his best. He will be dearly missed.
George will be dearly missed. He was a good man. Kind and generous. His strength, courage and joy he gave to others will always remain present in all our memories…. For Deb, Jennifer and Jr., we hope you find peace and comfort, in those memories. Our loving thoughts are with you.
I was a fellow clarinet player, and went to Adams State with George. Even during his health struggles, he was such a positive influence on so many.
We hold many happy and fond memories of our friend, George. We wish we could be there to pay tribute. Debbie, JR, Jennifer, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Though it was only by playing with George in the Pueblo Municipal Band that we met and knew him, it was indeed a pleasure. His love of music, upbeat outlook, and smile were so very appreciated. We will miss him.
Please know our thoughts are with every one in his family.
Mr. Zambrano was such a wonderful teacher as well a friend to the kids. He cared what happened to each and every student. He was truly a great educator and will be greatly missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Patty, Brandi and Dakota
Mr. Z was an inspiration to all who knew him, especially his students including my son He was an outstanding educator. He will be missed dearly. May he rest in peace and his family find comfort and support at this time.