Francisco, California, passed away on January 29, 2023 in Roseville,
California. Peter was 70 years old and an active member of St. Joseph
Catholic Church in Lincoln, California.
Growing up, Peter attended Sunshine Gardens Elementary School, El
Camino High School, Skyline College and Cal State, Hayward. He earned
his Masters Degree from LaVerne University in 1986.
Peter started earning money at a young age by working for the South
City Recreation Department. He umpired baseball games for high
schools as well as the college and Pac 8 and Far West Conferences from
1973 through 1982. He assisted coaching basketball at Oceana High
School and taught in the area until 1977. He then got a full time
teaching job at Tokay High School in Lodi where he became the
sophomore basketball coach.
He met the love of his life, Barbara, in September, 1977 following a
baseball game in South San Francisco. He commuted on the weekends
to visit her in Hayward until their marriage on August 11, 1979. They
then bought their first home in Lodi.
Peter soon became the head boys basketball coach at Lodi High School
where he also taught P.E. and driver’s education. He was the Athletic
Director at Lodi High from 1982 to 1993.
He led the teams to many successful seasons and credited his success to
his mentor and high school basketball coach, Rene Herrerrias. He also
followed the advice of his much admired father by living by the phrase
“Do what is right, not what is popular.”
After coaching boys’ basketball from 1977-86, he decided to coach
Varsity girls’ basketball from 1987-1989. He led the teams to State
playoffs and won the SJAA league title, twice.
After receiving his Masters Degree, he became the assistant vice
principal at Lodi High and continued in the position of Athletic Director.
Peter fulfilled his life long dream in 1993 when he was appointed the
CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Commissioner. He served in that position until
his retirement in 2014.
Peter was awarded too many accolades to mention during his tenure as
Commissioner. He was especially proud of building a new section office
in Lodi. The building is named in his honor. He was also much loved by
the local media outlets. He received much attention for his colorful
comments and honesty. He ran the State basketball and golf
tournaments for State CIF from 2014 to present.
After retirement in 2014, Pete and Barbara moved to Sun City, Lincoln
Hills. Here, they continued their love of travel and making new friends.
Golf was Pete’s passion. He belonged to Elk Horn Country Club where
he made many life long friends. Once he moved to Lincoln, he had
access to two 18-hole golf courses outside his door.
Never one to slow down, Pete became very active in the Sun City
community, serving on the Finance Committee, VP of the Italian Club
and president of the Mens Golf Club.
Pete and Barbara were never able to have children of their own, but
many of his basketball players became their kids. He was honored on
his 60th birthday with a party hosted by many of his players. It was their
time to honor him and give him accolades for making their lives better.
Peter is survived by his wife, Barbara, brothers James (Helena) and
Joseph (Angel), sister in law Kathleen Hendryx (Jeff), nephews Matthew
Hendryx (Kim) and Justin Saco, nieces Larissa and Natalie Saco, Carlee
Saco and great nephew and niece Liam, Finley Hendryx and Aunt Mat Tapella. He had
numerous cousins and was especially close to Carol Ross and Denise
Pulos. One of his basketball players, Todd Reiswig, came to be his
“adopted” son and they spoke everyday.
He was blessed with so many acquaintances and dear friends who were
there for him along life’s journey.
Pete is preceded in death by his parents Pete and Carmel Saco.
Donations in his name can be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the
American Diabetes Association.
Visitation will be at Lincoln Funeral Home on _Sunday, February 5 from
1 – 5 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church,
Lincoln, on Monday, February 6 at 11 a.m. The rosary will take place
prior to the Mass at10:30 a.m.
Burial will be private at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lincolnfuneralchapel.com for the Saco family.
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