Pete M Reyes

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Pete M. Reyes, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Pete, lovingly known as Ito, passed away peacefully at the age of 89, surrounded by family on Día de Los Reyes. Born in Yuma, Arizona, Pete was the seventh child of Francisco and Anacleta Reyes.

Raised in the agricultural heartlands of Tulare, California, Pete graduated high school in 1954 and began his career through apprenticeships in local sheet metal and welding shops. As Cold War tensions rose, Pete enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he bravely served in Europe and proudly boxed for Company E, 13th Infantry Regiment. His service to his country was a testament to his courage and patriotism.

After his military service, Pete moved to the Bay Area in 1959, where he met his beautiful and devoted wife, Mary. Together, they made the wise decision to make the Mission City, Santa Clara, their home. Together, they built a good life and family, marked by love, faith, and hard work. His family will remember the many trips he led to quaint historical towns throughout the state, the lessons he taught his children—such as the value of hard work, the importance of personal efficacy, and thinking deeply before drafting a plan of action—and his everlasting love of the Latin ballad and trío romántico.

Pete's natural ability to learn construction, paired with his passion for history and architectural design, led him to build many treasured creations, most notably Casa Reyes, with its majestic family room featuring striking Mexican tile flooring, a wood-beamed vaulted ceiling, and a natural stone fireplace adorned with a Mission bell. The extended family will never forget the many joyous Christmas celebrations held in that stunning room. Throughout his long life, Pete was quick to help anyone in need while also being one of the first to take to the dance floor. As he did here on earth, we know that he quickly joined his sisters on the dance floor of heaven, boisterous as ever.

Notably, Pete was a prominent and vital member of the St. Clare’s Spanish Language Community. In the early 1970s, he and his wife, Mary, were part of a group of parishioners who petitioned the Church to establish a Spanish-language Mass and create a corresponding organization. Their tireless efforts were successful and ushered in not only a highly popular Spanish Mass and choir—which attracted many parishioners throughout the years and continues to this day—but also established the annual Virgen de Guadalupe Mass and Celebration—a cherished tradition that continues to bring the community together. Pete proudly and tirelessly served as the community’s first non-ordained President for the first decade of its existence.

Throughout his life, Pete’s family was his greatest pride and joy. He loved being a father and is well remembered for cheering on his children in their various sports, academic and dance activities. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary R. Reyes, and their three children: Arthur (Francisca) Reyes, Carlos (Rebecca) Reyes, and Corinna (Chris) McKoy. Pete was also the honored guardian of Paty and Eugenia Robles, and the cherished grandfather of Cecilia, David, Anthony, Maricela, Gabriel, and James. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Natalie, Marissa, and Cynthia, and a great-great-grandchild, Anthony.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, Francisco and Anacleta Reyes, and siblings: Jessie (Jesusita) Reyes, Tina (Augustina) Vasquez, Lucy (Luisa) Aguilar, Katie (Felipa) Sanchez, Marcos Reyes, and Paul Reyes. He is mourned by his surviving brother, Santiago Reyes, and sister, Jenny (Juanita) Hernandez.

A Viewing Service will be held on Monday, January 20th, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a Catholic Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Lima Family Mortuary, 466 N. Winchester Blvd, Santa Clara, CA. The Burial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 21st, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clare's Parish Church, 725 Washington St, Santa Clara, CA, followed by burial at the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery (St. Joseph Mausoleum). A luncheon will follow at the Lima Family Mortuary Hall.

Pete was a beloved patriarch who dedicated his life to providing for his family and contributing to his community. His legacy will live on in all who loved him. He will forever be in our hearts, and we take comfort in knowing he is now in the loving arms of the Lord, restored in body and mind.