Garylee Zuniga

Garylee Thomas Zuniga was a lifelong resident of Aztec, NM. He earned his wings on October 25, 2024, at the age of 33, after undergoing a heart and liver transplant in San Diego, CA. He was born with congenital heart defects that led to many surgeries in his lifetime.

He was born to Gary and Polly Zuniga in Tucson, AZ. He had three sisters, Krista Leigh Zuniga, Tiana Vaughn, and Cory Zuniga; nieces Kaleigh Zuniga, Gabby and Krista Vaughn and his prized cats Chovie and Mason. Garylee grew up and attended school in Aztec, NM. At age 20, Garylee moved with his family to Ramona, CA. to undergo his first heart transplant at the age of 21. He was employed by Aztec Municipal Schools and was a sports fanatic. Although he could never play sports, he knew all there was to know about sports and its trivia. He loved the University of Arizona Wildcats, San Diego Padres, San Diego State University Aztecs, Lakers, Raiders and the Cowboys.

He was preceded in death by his sister Krista Zuniga; his grandparents Theresa Estrada, Tomas Zuniga, Great-Grandpa Jose Trujillo.

Garylee is survived by his parents Gary and Polly Zuniga; his sisters Tiana Zuniga, Cory Zuniga, and Kaleigh Zuniga; grandparents Wilford Estrada and Ernestina Zuniga.

There will be a Rosary at 9:30 am Tuesday, November 5, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Mass will follow the Rosary. Father Tim Farrell will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Tony Estrada, Robert Estrada, Danny Zuniga, Steve Wamel, Patrick Swope, and Trey Lengstorf. A reception will take place after the Mass at Sacred Heart Family Center. Burial will take place at 1:00 pm Wednesday, November 6, 2024 in Aragon, NM at Aragon Cemetery.

Memorials/Donations may be made to: Venmo @Polly-Zuniga; Aztec Municipal School District Foundation @ 1118 W. Aztec Blvd. Aztec, NM 87410, in honor of Garylee Zuniga.