Aug. 10th, 1956 – Feb. 19th, 2025
Carlos "Chalito"
Napoleon Zuniga, Jr.
Was born on August 10, 1956, in Estelí, Nicaragua, to Carlos and Haydee Zuniga. He built a beautiful life alongside his wife, Hilda Maritza Vasquez Zuniga, raising three beloved children—Carlos I. Zuniga III, Janel Zuniga, and Jayleen Zuniga. Later in life, he found even greater joy as a grandfather to Nayeli Lopez, whose laughter and presence filled his heart with endless happiness.
Chalito's Journey
A Life Lived with Passion
For over 35 years, Chale worked as a Lead Electrician at Boeing Aerospace, demonstrating his intelligence, dedication, and tireless work ethic. Beyond his career, he found joy in ocean fishing with his best friend, Miguel Briones, and sharing laughs with his Boeing co-worker, Adrian G. His love for sports was undeniable—whether it was the crack of a bat at Dodger Stadium or the roar of a Rams crowd, Chale was always in his element, celebrating his teams with family by his side.
The Life and Legacy of
Chalito Zuniga, Jr.
The Viewing
🕯 Viewing: Thursday, March 13, 2025
⏰ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary
11160 Stanwood Ave., Mission Hills, CA 91345
The Mass
✝️ Funeral Mass: Friday, March 14, 2025
⏰ 12:00 PM
📍 St. Mary’s Catholic Church
1600 East Ave. R-4, Palmdale, CA 93550
Chale & Hilda’s Vision
for Their Nicaraguan Ranch
A Dream Set in Stone
Carlos “Chale” and Maritza Zuniga dreamed of a Ranch where family, love, and legacy could thrive. Maritza inherited the land from her parents and built a four-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch—a sanctuary for future generations.
For Chale, it was a return to his roots, and for Hilda, it fulfilled a lifelong vision. Though Chale’s journey to live there was cut short, his spirit remains in every brick, every room, and every sunrise over the land they built together. Their dream is a testament to love, perseverance, and family.
MEMORIES & STORIES
From Estelí to the USA
The Gift That Almost Got Him in Trouble
A perfectly matched silver nut sack, a mischievous birthday surprise, and a test of mom’s patience—Chale’s laughter said it all!
About eight years ago, while my dad was visiting me in Inglewood, CA, he came across a new truck accessory that had been gaining popularity—metal nut sacks.
He laughed about it and mentioned, “Your mom would kill me if I bought this… but if someone who customizes cars gave it to me as a gift, maybe she’d let me keep it.”
Taking that as a challenge, I decided to surprise him on his birthday. I gifted him a large, silver nut sack that matched perfectly with his 2005 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport. He burst into laughter, shaking his head but clearly loving the joke.
He proudly hung them under his truck, knowing full well he was about to test my mom’s patience.
Across Distance & Years,
A Timeless Bond
My memories as a child with my big brother, Chalito, are faint due to our 16-year age difference. We grew up in different parts of the world, but the pictures show the times we reunited during different aspects of our lives. The best memory with my beloved big brother was back in 2016 when we both happened to travel to Esteli, Nicaragua 🇳🇮 at the same time, which was a coincidence. Once there, he took the time to be our tour guide, showing me our parents’ home as well as our second home, Papa Homero and Mama Carmen’s house. I am so blessed to have experienced this with him, especially after our mom had passed away 2 yrs prior. This is my most cherished memory of Chalito and I.
Hooked on Memories
Summers in East Palmdale
I have so many great memories—especially from the summers I spent at your place in East Palmdale. Your dad always took us fishing, and those trips were some of the best times. I remember one time when it was just him, my brother, and me out on his boat. We decided to have a little competition to see who could catch the most fish, and somehow, I ended up winning that day. Those fishing trips were always a blast, and one time, we even made it into the newspaper. I also remember all the times we just hung out in the garage. We’d play poker with him, some cousins, and family friends while he enjoyed his Nicaraguan cigar. We’d joke around, laugh, and just enjoy each other’s company. Those moments were simple, but they meant everything. The summers in East Palmdale were filled with unforgettable memories, and I’ll always carry them with me.
Passions That Brought
Chalito Joy
Popular
Frequently Asked Questions
In the early hours of Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, at 1:44 AM.
In the early hours of Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, at 1:44 AM, Carlos “Chale” Zuniga Jr. passed away peacefully in his bed, in Palmdale, CA, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife, Hilda Zuniga, his three children, Carlos I. Zuniga III, Janel Zuniga, and Jayleen Zuniga, and his cherished granddaughter, Nayeli Lopez.
Acute Leukemia
68 Years Old
🕯 Viewing: Thursday, March 13, 2025
⏰ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary
11160 Stanwood Ave., Mission Hills, CA 91345
✝️ Funeral Mass: Friday, March 14, 2025
⏰ 12:00 PM
📍 St. Mary’s Catholic Church
1600 East Ave. R-4, Palmdale, CA 93550
🌿 Interment
📍 43121 70th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93536
💐 Reception
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 38841 Brookdale Rd., Palmdale, CA 93551
The dress code for the services is formal and respectful attire, such as dark or neutral-colored clothing. Men are encouraged to wear suits or dress shirts with slacks, while women may wear dresses, skirts, or dress pants with a blouse. Please avoid overly casual clothing such as jeans, sneakers, or bright colors unless otherwise specified by the family.
The Funeral Mass and Burial Interment are private, reserved for close family and invited guests only.
The Viewing and Reception are open to those who wish to pay their respects.
Please let me know if you’d like any adjustments to this wording.
Yes, please send flowers to:
📍 Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary
11160 Stanwood Ave., Mission Hills, CA 91345
🕯 Viewing: Thursday, March 13, 2025
⏰ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
“In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice in Chale’s honor.”
You can offer your condolences to the family in several ways:
- In Person – If attending the Viewing or Reception, you may express your sympathies directly to the family.
- Cards or Letters – A handwritten note or sympathy card is a thoughtful way to share your support.
- Flowers or Donations – If a preferred charity or fund is designated, a donation in Chale’s honor is a meaningful gesture.
- Messages – Sending a heartfelt message via email, text, or social media (if appropriate) is also appreciated.
It’s possible that there may be a tribute or slideshow during the service, but it depends on the family’s wishes. You can reach out to the family or the funeral director to confirm if they plan to include a visual tribute or slideshow in honor of Chale.
If a tribute is planned, it’s usually a touching way to remember and celebrate the life of the person who has passed.
If you’d like to share your memories or stories about Chale, there are a few ways you can do so:
- During the Service – Some families allow guests to share memories during the service or a designated part of the reception. You may ask the family or funeral director if this is an option.
- Memory Book – If the family has provided a memory book at the viewing or reception, you can write down your thoughts and stories there.
- Social Media or Online Tribute – If the family has set up an online memorial page or tribute (such as a website or social media group), you can share your stories there.
- Directly to the Family – If you’re close to the family, you can share your memories in a personal letter or message to express your condolences and celebrate Chale’s life.