Peter Vaca Jr.

Peter Mendez Vaca at age 91, born and raised in Santa Paula, CA, passed away peacefully at home, with his wife Rosenda Vaca, by his side, whom he was married to 45 years. He was a loving brother, friend, husband, father, and grandfather.

Pete was born on July 4, 1934, to Pedro Vaca & Michaela Mendez Vaca, who immigrated from Tlazazalca, Michoacan. His parents were proprietors of the business called La Barca, located in Santa Paula, between 12th and Saticoy Street. Unfortunately, his parents passed away when he was age 4. His 8 siblings and he became bereaved children, they were separated and raised by several family members. When his eldest brother, Miguel (Mike) Vaca turned of age, Mike reunited the younger siblings and cared for them.

Pete graduated from Santa Paula Union High School in 1955. He was employed for Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works in Burbank, where he worked with aircraft like the U-2 spy plane, SR-71, and F-117 stealth fighter, he then retired at the County of Ventura as a maintenance supervisor.

You may have caught a “glance” of Pete, cruising in Santa Paula, in his American brand vehicles such as his White Thunderbird, as well as his sleek white Monte-Carlo, and his white minivan with a gold nugget license Plaque. He loved cruising with his wife Rosenda by his side. He also loved his wife Rosenda Mexican cooking and a good cup of coffee in the morning. He was always reading. He enjoyed reading National Geographic, dictionaries, and learning new languages because he always wanted to travel. Pete watched all sports, especially the Dodgers, professional boxing, Mexican news in the morning. He adored Disneyland, outdoors activities, drawing art, hiking, and sunbathing in Ojai. But his most favorite passed time was spending time with his siblings and going to Steckel or Mills Park, to BBQ, hike and take a dip in the creek. He loved nature and bird watching. Pete appreciated the sound of all music, especially the Golden Oldies and Spanish music. Pete is one of the good guys, a loving brother, husband, father, and grandfather. A protector of his children and grandchildren. Always a good friend to lean on.

Pete is survived by his family: (Daughter) Nancy Vaca; and her children, Jorge and Vanessa Mejia, Miguel and Adrianna Reyes, Jessica Salcido, (Daughter) Dave and Yvette Stimpson; their child, Nicole Stimpson. (Daughter) Gina Vaca Theissen; and her children: Eddie Lopez, Steven Lopez, and Sienna Theissen, (Daughter) Arron and Erika Ruiz; and their children; Mathew Ruiz, Trinity Ruiz. (Son) Juan Carlos Zuniga and his children; Jasmine Zuniga, Jacob Zuniga, (Son) Robert Vaca and his children; Joseph Vaca and Katrina Vaca.

As well as three great grandchildren: Georgie Mejia, Lily Mejia, Xena Reyes.

He has reunited with his siblings: Miguel (Mike) Vaca, Maclovio (Mac) Vaca & sisters: Ramona (Monchi) Barraza, Abigaile (Gail) Ramos, Catalina (Katy) Vega, Ruth (Cuca) Vaca, Maria (Mary) Mata, Olivia (Livy) Vaca.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 28, 2025, from 5pm to 9pm at Funeraria Del Angel, 128 S 8th St, Santa Paula, CA 93060. The Rosary, officiated by his wife Rosenda Vaca, will begin at 6:30pm.

On October 29, 2025, Mass will be held 10am at Our Lady of Guadalupe Santa Paula, 427 North Oak St, Santa Paula, CA with an 11am burial at Santa Paula Cemetery, 380 Cemetery Rd, Santa Paula, CA 93060.