Mario Esteban Zambrano Montes de Oca, 87, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on August 5, 2025. He was born on March 4, 1938, in San Luis, Cuba to parents, Emilio Zambrano and Caridad (Montes de Oca) Zambrano.
Mario lived a life full of joy, passion, and unwavering love for the things that made him happiest – baseball, dancing, laughter, and the company of those he loved.
In 1957, Mario came to the United States to pursue his dream of playing professional baseball. As an outfielder with the Cincinnati Reds organization, he brought his talent and charisma to the field for several minor league teams, eventually playing for the Topeka Reds. His time with the Reds included a league winning season in 1961 that brought pride and celebration to the city.
The friendships and sense of community he found in Topeka, led Mario to settle there and make it his home. In 1967, he began working for the DuPont chemical company. During the Cuban airlift, he applied for family reunification and in 1972, he was joined in Topeka by his parents and his sister, Barbara. In 1985, his career with DuPont took him to Indianapolis, Indiana. He continued to work for DuPont until his retirement in 1996.
Mario’s love for baseball never faded. He played recreationally well into his 50s and remained a devoted fan, watching Major League Baseball every night. Besides baseball, he loved to dance, celebrate, share meals, and meet new people. He knew no strangers and treated everyone as a friend.
Mario is survived by his son, Anthony Zambrano; daughters, Carmen Dumaual (Mike); and Ricquelle Landis; his companion, Yolanda Pena; nephew John Allen (Natalie); and niece, Rachael Allen (Jesse).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emilio and Caridad Zambrano; his wife, Dolores Carmen Lopez; his sister, Barbara Allen; and his son, Mario Jesus Zambrano.
Visitation for Mario will be from 10-11am on Saturday, August 16th, 2025, at St. Peter and Paul Cathedral –1347 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, with a Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 11am. Burial will take place at a later date in Topeka, Kansas.
Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral
Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral
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