Arnoldo T. Zarate

Arnoldo T. Zarate passed away on January 25, at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg, Texas, at the age of 83. He was born on November 8, 1942, in his beloved Rio Grande City. He was preceded in death by his father Arnoldo Zarate and his mother Maria Garza Zarate. He was married to Maria Aurora del Castillo, until her death in 2019.

Arnoldo graduated from Rio Grande City High School and is remembered as the voice of the Rio Rattlers as he was the announcer at most, if not all in that period, of the Rattlers football games played in Rio Grande City. He continued until he left for college at UT in Austin Texas. Years later he created the Rio Rattlers Golden Agers Club as a way to continue contact with his fellow RGCHS classmates. He was an avid reader of America history, and he had an extensive inventory of books on the subject. Arnoldo earned his degree in history from University of Texas. After earning his degree, he enlisted the United States Army with the rank of Second Lieutenant. He was stationed overseas before being assigned to Washington as an interpreter for his unit. 

Once separated from the Army, Arnoldo returned to Rio Grande City to teach at Rio Grande High School. During this period, he obtained his master’s degree. 

A few years later he went into business with a family member and friend on several real estate ventures and men stores in McAllen and Rio Grande City. He then continued his career teaching at the University of Texas Pan American in Edinburg until his retirement. 

Arnoldo will be missed by those that survive him and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to have known him. 

On Monday, February 2 nd, visitation will begin at 10:00am with a memorial service at 2:00pm, and the burial will follow at 3:00pm at the Rio Grande City Cemetery.

Rio Grande City – Arnoldo T. Zarate, age 83, passed away peacefully at Doctors Hospital at Renaissance, in Edinburg, Texas, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Sanchez Funeral Home in Rio Grande City, TX.