Online fundraiser established for Local 821 officer’s family

The life of Local 821 Trustee Robert Zavala Jr. was cut short after a fatal car accident April 19, and an online fundraiser has been created to help his family.

Brother Zavala joined the union in 2018 and began as a member of Local 756 in San Antonio before transferring to Local 821 (Del Rio, Texas). He had taken his first local officer position as a Local 821 trustee at the beginning of this year and worked as a conductor for Union Pacific.

“He was well-respected and a good union brother — always willing to help,” Alt. Vice President and General Chairperson Scott Chelette said.

Brother Zavala’s wife, son and daughter also were in the vehicle during the family’s accident. His wife and son were treated and released from the hospital while daughter Pilar faces a series of surgeries and a long path to recovery.

Please contribute if able as members of Brother Zavala’s family try to heal from their injuries and the loss of a beloved father and husband.

Details about services and a full obituary will be shared when made available.

SMART-TD offers its sincere condolences to Brother Zavala’s family, friends and to his brothers and sisters in Local 821.