Zachary Villarreal Obituary

Zachary Villarreal
October 16, 1993 - August 30, 2023
Turlock, California - Zachary Isaac Villarreal was born October 16, 1993 to Isaac Jr. and Christina Villarreal in Turlock, California. He was the oldest of three children. Zachary entered into eternal rest on August 30, 2023 in Modesto, California, surrounded by his family.
Zachary loved family. He embraced his role as older brother to Daniel and Nora. Zach and Daniel had an unspoken bond of brotherhood. They were known to banter back and forth, but their love for one another was real and true. Zach lived to harass Daniel, and the two found themselves showing their love for one another in crazy ways. As children the boys loved their time together at what our family called 'The Ranch'. They would float the Stanislaus River, target shoot, or ride quads. As adults, they took leadership roles in branches of the family business that allowed each to flourish individually. Zach and Daniel grew up to be men who had mutual respect for each other and when the chips were down, they both knew they could count on one another. Being big brother to Nora was important to Zachary. He found great pride in his little sister and was always encouraging to her newest endeavors. He saw himself as her protector and had a special place in his heart that only belonged to her. As a teen, he loved to chauffeur Nora in his big truck. It was unclear who actually loved it more, Zach or Nora. Through the years, the three developed a sibling bond that was powerful. Holidays together were never boring. There was always the dominant personality that they seemed to take turns having. The group photos scrunched on a small couch always brought smiles and laughter.
Zachary attended Sacred Heart Elementary School in Turlock, Ross Junior High School in Hughson, and graduated from Hughson High School in 2012.
As a little boy, Zachary loved to play baseball. It was an interest he shared with his beloved Papa. A fond memory from those childhood years was when the little league team Zach and Daniel were on needed a coach. They asked Papa, and he couldn't say no. It was a great season. It was during this time Zach's innocent love of the New York Yankees began and continued throughout his life. Baseball was a huge focus during High School for Zach and a highlight of his career was when his varsity team was playing their rival in Escalon, and he hit a Grand Slam. Needless to say, the visiting bench cleared and his team all but carried him back to the dugout after he rounded the bases.
After high school, Zach embarked on a remarkable journey in the world of business, partnering with his father to establish Villarreal Topping and Hedging. Through their hard work and dedication, this venture flourished into a thriving success story, a testament to Zach's entrepreneurial savvy. Not content with just one venture, Zach, alongside his lifelong friend Jake, seized an opportunity in the Almond Harvest industry and co-founded Sweeprite, a company specializing in custom sweeping services across the valley.
However, Zach's entrepreneurial spirit did not stop there. Together with his father and their partner Jacob, the trio recognized the need for brush shredding in orchards that had been pruned or topped and hedged. This insight led to the creation of V&Z Shredding, a venture that complemented their Topping and Hedging business. Zach's dedication and desire to succeed showcased his remarkable ability to identify opportunities and turn them into prosperous enterprises.
As an adult, one of Zachary's greatest joys was found on the golf course. Golf was more than a hobby; it was a passion that filled his heart with contentment. He shared many memorable rounds with his favorite uncle, Jerry, forging a bond that extended beyond the fairways. Their journeys together to places like Monterey Peninsula and their annual February trip to the AT&T golf tournament were cherished moments that spoke to Zachary's deep love for the game. But it wasn't just the game itself that held a special place in Zachary's heart; it was the camaraderie he enjoyed with his fellow golf enthusiasts. Zach cherished the times spent with his golf buddies on various courses, where laughter, competition, and shared experiences created a unique tapestry of friendships. Zachary had a knack for building lasting friendships, and the golf course was his canvas for nurturing these connections. His golf buddies were more than just playing partners; they were an extended family.
Zachary will forever be lovingly remembered for the radiant warmth of his infectious smile and his undeniable charisma. His larger-than-life personality filled every room he entered, lighting up the lives of those around him. With an unwavering love for socializing, he thrived in the company of friends. He had a way of forging deep connections, and his friendships were a testament to his magnetic charm. Whether he was sharing stories, dancing to his favorite tunes, or simply basking in the presence of loved ones, Zach exuded boundless energy and enthusiasm. To say that he enjoyed the company of others would be an understatement; he thrived in it. His joy was inextricably tied to the laughter and shared moments he experienced with the people he cherished.
Zachary Isaac Villarreal is survived by his parents, Christina Bunch (Lloyd), and Isaac Villarreal Jr., brother, Daniel Villarreal and sister, Nora Villarreal. His "Auntie" Amy and Uncle Jerry Stokes, his cousins that were more like siblings, Jessica Wagner (Christopher), Ali Jones (Avery), and Jackey Blakeley (Caleb). Grandmother "Gaga" Charlene Nichols. As well as countless family and friends.
Zachary is preceded in death by his Grandfather, "Papa" William 'Nick' Nichols, Abuelos, Isaac Sr. and Celia Villarreal.
Services will be at 11 AM, Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at THE HOUSE located at: 1601 Coffee Road, Modesto. Burial following at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson. All are invited to join us as we celebrate Zach's life. Salas Brothers Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.
Remembrances can be made in Zachary's name to the Nick Nichols Memorial Scholarship c/o Hughson High School.