Michael Lambaria, Jr. passed away December 11, 2025, in Pleasanton.  He was born in Pleasanton on October 4, 1944, to Miguel and Refugia Lambaria.

Michael dedicated two decades of his life to serving in the United States Army. Rising through the ranks, he retired honorably as a First Sergeant, a testament to his leadership, discipline, and commitment to his fellow soldiers. His military career shaped his character and instilled in him the values of service and responsibility.

After his retirement from the Army, Michael continued his journey of helping others by joining Pleasanton Junior High and Poteet ISD as an aide. In this role, he supported both students and staff, drawing on his military experience to foster discipline and encouragement within the educational environment. His dedication did not go unnoticed, and he soon took on a pivotal role in shaping alternative education opportunities for local youth.

Michael partnered with Tommy Franklin to help establish an alternative school focused on supporting wayward children—those who struggled within traditional classroom settings. His work reflected his unwavering belief in second chances and the potential for every young person to succeed when given the right support and guidance.

Michael Lambaria, Jr. eventually found his true calling as the Veterans Service Officer for Atascosa County. In this capacity, he became a passionate advocate for veterans, assisting them in accessing the benefits and services they earned through their military service. His personal experience as a veteran gave him unique insight into the challenges faced by those returning to civilian life, and he worked tirelessly to ensure their needs were met. Michael served in this vital role until his retirement, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and advocacy within the community.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Miguel and Refugia Lambaria, brother, Johnny Lambaria, and son, Robert Allen Lambaria.

He is survived by his wife, Anita Gonzales Lambaria, sons, Scott Michael Lambaria and wife Ashley Mottu-Lambaria, Craig "Corky" Lambaria and wife Judy, and John "JJ" Zamora and wife Shirley, grandchildren, Brittany Menchaca and husband Josh, Scott Michael Lambaria, II and wife Sylvia, Robert Isaiah Lambaria, Skylar Lambaria, Scott Michael Lambaria, III, Christian Ross Lambaria, Cailie Lambaria, Chelcea Lambaria Myers and husband Austin, Robert Lambaria and wife Alyne, Krystyne Gonzalez and husband Genaro, Bobby Ortega, E.J. Ortega, and Johnny Zamora and wife Sydney, great-grandchildren, Preston, Shon, Taj, Frankie, Destynee, Laylah, Robert, Josephine, and Manuel, great-great-grandchildren, Melody, Maria Christina ,"Baby J", one sister, Lena Lambaria Trevino and husband Joe, sister-in-law, Carmen Lambaria, nephews, Tony Bubba Trevino and TJ Trevino and niece and caretaker, Cissy Lambaria.

Services for Michael are Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St. Andrew Catholic Church beginning with a 9:00 AM Visitation with a 10:00 AM Rosary and a Mass at 11:00 AM.  Interment to follow at San Ysidro Cemetery in Pleasanton

Throughout his life, Michael Lambaria, Jr. exemplified dedication, leadership, and a deep commitment to serving both his country and his local community. From the Army to education and veterans' affairs, his work touched countless lives and made a meaningful difference in Atascosa County and beyond.