Alvaro “Al” Cristobal Zapata, 68, of Mooresville, N.C., and formally of Morganville, N.J., passed away peacefully with his wife Tracy by his side on April 8, 2025.

Al was surrounded by his friends in the days leading to his peaceful passing. These are the same friends that helped him with his battle against pancreatic cancer for the last 2.5 years. These are friends he called family.

Al was a Warrior of Warriors and the strongest person you will ever meet. He had a passion for life, a passion for family and friends, especially his wife, a passion for music and dance, a passion for his cars, and a passion for his dogs. He also adored Halloween and Christmas and had more decorations for each of those holidays than anyone could imagine.

Born in Ecuador, he and his family moved to New York when he was just five years old. They came from nothing, but Al had a vision of who and what he wanted to be. Al’s dream was to wear a suit to work every day. He did just that and managed to have a successful career on Wall Street.

Al had a presence like no other. People remembered him after only meeting him once. He was gentle and kind and generous to all the people around him.

Al is survived by his wife of 30 years, Tracy Zapata, and his two dogs, Buddy and Libby.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Wednesday, April 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home. A Celebration of Al’s Life will be on Thursday, April 17, at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Robbins officiating.

Burial will be in Northlake Memorial Gardens at 11:30 a.m. following the service.

Al & Tracy would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all of the nurses, surgeons, physicians, and staff for their unwavering compassion and supportive care. We would like to especially thank Dr. Roger and Dr Reza for their heartfelt care since his diagnosis in November 2022.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Expect Miracles Foundation, 89 South St., Suite 701, Boston, MA 02111 https://www.emfdistancechallenge.org/fundraisers/tracywills-zapata5210/6th-annual-distance-challenge

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Zapata family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.