Juan Pilar “Pete” Baldera, age 73, crossed the veil on Thursday, July 6th, 2023 in Victoria, Texas with his family by his side. The younger of fraternal twins, Pete was born to Tranquilino and Isabel Baldera on December 3rd, 1949 in Goliad, Texas. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to Port Lavaca. After his schooling, Pete began working at the local shrimp company. While there, he was immediately smitten by the love of his life, Martha, who he vowed to marry. They married four months later on January 17th, 1970. Their joy was later compounded by the arrival of their children: Raquel, Marisa Wilson (Mark), Agueda Jacinto (Ismael), Maricela Baldera, and Juan Pilar Baldera, Jr (Alexis).
Pete made a rich and beautiful life for himself in the small port town where many knew and loved him. Pete loved to fish, listen to music, play cards, dominoes and bingo and watch old westerns. He found immense joy in spending time with his family, especially his ten grandchildren. He was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
He is preceded in death by his daughter, Raquel; father, Tranquilino; mother, Isabel Amejorado Baldera; brothers, Ernesto, Natividad, Juan A. "Johnny", Jose "Joe" and sisters, Maria Vasquez and Dora Cavazos.
A visitation for Juan will be held Monday, July 10, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 303 Smith Rd., Port Lavaca, Texas 77979, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Port Lavaca Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.richardsoncolonial.com for the Baldera family.
