Pedro Artiaga

Pete Artiaga, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on September 10, 2024. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Pete met the love of his life, Dolores Artiaga, at Jefferson Davis High School and married in May of 1956. He lived a life filled with love, service, and devotion to his family and community.

In 1952, at 18 years old, Pete enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country for four years, with his final station in Lincoln, Nebraska. His dedication to service continued in 1962, when he returned to Houston and joined the civil service as a firefighter at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base. Over the course of his 22-year career, Pete rose through the ranks and retired as Assistant Fire Chief with Vice President George H.W. Bush in attendance at his retirement—a true testament to his leadership and dedication. In addition to his service at Ellington, Pete worked for Sears, where he spent 25 years.

Pete was an artist, storyteller, and avid sports fan–often found cheering on the Astros and Texans. He had a natural gift for art; specifically, capturing life’s beauty and humor through his drawings and paintings. Pete was also a parishioner at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for over 40 years. He also cared for his wife Dolores, who suffered from Alzheimer’s. Above all, Pete’s devotion to his family knew no bounds.

He is survived by his three daughters: Cathy Gee (husband Michael), Cindy Moffatt (husband Rick), and Christine Ulery (husband Matthew); six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and siblings: Rosie Morales, Mary Sarabia, Gloria Ramos. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dolores Artiaga, his parents, Maria Ortiz Artiaga and Vincente Artiaga.