Eric Emiliano Zapata

ZAPATA, Officer Eric Emiliano
Of Kalamazoo Passed away suddenly Monday, April 18, 2011. Eric was born in Ionia, MI the son of Adolfo and Connie Casarez Zapata. Eric served on the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety for 10 years. He was a member of Lightning Kicks where he enjoyed doing mixed martial arts and was a mentor to many children; and enjoyed the game of golf. Eric was a family man. His smile and charm warmed the hearts of all who came in contact with him. His love and dedication to his job was matched only by his love and dedication to his children. Eric was a friend to all and a hero to many. He is now an angel and once again he is watching over us and protecting us from above. His loving memory is in our hearts and souls forever. May he rest in peace. Eric is survived by his loving family which include his children, Alexis Taylor Zapata, Eric Anthony Zapata, Jacob Emiliano Zapata; his mother, Connie Epifanio Bernal; his father, Aldolfo Susan Zapata; sister and brother, Irene Vance Ferguson, Armando Lara and Heather VanWyck; nieces and nephew, Vance Connor Ferguson, Alexandria Ferguson, McKenzie Ferguson; and his fiancé, Kristina Moore. A Mass of Christian Burial Service to celebrate Eric's life will be held at 11:00 o'clock Tuesday at Miller Auditorium with Bishop Paul J. Bradley, Fr. Victor Kayman and Deacon Pat Hall, Celebrants. Friends may meet the family Sunday from 4-8pm and Monday from 1-4 and 6-8pm at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street where a Scripture service will be held Monday at 6:30 followed by a Rosary service. Interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Lake Odessa, MI, Wednesday at 11:00. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to a fund for Eric's children. www.langelands.com