Claude Raymond Zabava, 81, of Pleasanton, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026, surrounded by loved ones after a private battle with cancer. Born August 30, 1944, Claude lived a life of quiet strength, steady kindness, and lifelong learning. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in journalism and remained a proud Longhorn fan of all UT sports. He took his final breath at the closing buzzer of the UT vs. Purdue Sweet 16 basketball game—a fitting and beautiful end for a dedicated fan that no one could have scripted better.

For nearly six decades, Claude served the Pleasanton community through his State Farm Insurance agency. He built lasting relationships grounded in trust and reliability, approaching his work and every interest with thoughtful study and dedication.

Claude was an avid lifelong golfer who played at a high level well into his later years. In his youth, he was a talented baseball pitcher known for his distinctive knuckleball. He took special pride in playing for a local Negro baseball team in the 1950s, the only white player on the roster because they needed a pitcher. He often recalled those days with quiet happiness and spoke of the friendships formed through the game. He credited his success in both golf and pitching to strong eye-hand coordination.

He enjoyed fishing, occasional trips to Eagle Pass with friends, studying golf swings, and mastering whatever captured his curiosity. As he liked to say, quoting his favorite movie, To Sir, with Love: "So long as we learn, it doesn't matter who teaches us."

Claude is survived by his sister and her husband, Gladys and Fabian Janysek, his sister-in-law, Mary Nell Zabava, his brother, Leon Zabava, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Elizabeth (Stanush) Zabava, his brother, Jori Zabava, and his three sons, David, Douglas, and Michael.

Special thanks go to his devoted niece, Nadine Woolsey, for her faithful care during his illness; his best friend, JT Harris; his dedicated administrative assistant, Regina Bledsoe; the New Century Hospice team; and Rita Gallegos, who provided comfort and support to him and his family in his final days. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from friends and colleagues in Pleasanton and Atascosa County.

A Catholic vigil will be held at Hurley Funeral Home with Deacon Joey Moczygemba presiding on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. All are invited to a luncheon afterward at the Pleasanton Country Club to share memories and fellowship.

Honorary pallbearers: JT Harris, Leon Zabava, Fabian Janysek, Nadine Woolsey, Kimerla Choate, and Regina Bledsoe.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to the Claude Zabava Memorial Scholarship for Pleasanton Eagle Athletes - Honoring Pride, Sportsmanship & Friendship.   This perpetual scholarship will support a Pleasanton Eagle athlete each year who demonstrates pride in their sport and the friendships it brings. Checks may be made payable to the Pleasanton ISD Education Foundation, with "Claude Zabava Scholarship" noted in the memo line, and mailed to P.O. Box 1016, Pleasanton, TX 78064.