Peter Chapa

Peter Chapa passed peacefully at his home in Hebbronville, Texas, on July 10, 2025. He was 86. He is preceded in death by his parents, Pedro and Beatriz Chapa, and his sisters, Maria Chapa (Amando+) and Clelia Chapa Rocha (Juan+), and niece, Adrienne A. Rocha.

Peter graduated from Hebbronville High School in 1957. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for three years, completing duties during the Korean War and in Germany. He later attended the University of Texas and attained various degrees. Peter lived the majority of his life in Austin, where he made many friends. He worked for the University’s Student Publications, including the “Daily Texan,” newspaper, the “The Cactus” yearbook, and a student magazine. He also co-authored a book titled “Viva! Famous Mexican Americans” that featured the biographies and photos of successful Mexican Americans during the 1960s and 1970s. While at UT, Peter became a cultural icon. Peter’s home, where he regularly hosted parties, was referred to as the “Chapatorium." He befriended many of UT’s and Austin’s socialites. Peter led an interesting, well traveled, and varied life. Until the day he died, Peter lived for the Longhorns to win and would scream loudly urging them on while watching TV.

Peter was a beloved son, brother, and uncle to his family. He is survived by his nieces, Lynda Lee Soliz (Humberto), Judy Joyce Saenz Gonzales (George+), and Margo Rocha, and nephews, Manuel Flores Jr. (Adriana), Mark Rocha, and Christopher Rocha. As well as his cousins, Elsa Chapa Jackson, and Sylvia Hernandez, additional family in Laredo, as well as his great nephews and nieces and numerous dear friends.

Pallbearers will be Ivan Soliz, Javier Soliz, Mario Flores, Marcos Flores, Liam Soliz and Joe Quintanilla

Honorary pallbearers will be Jayden Arredondo, Tony Salinas, Harry Pope, David Barnett, Bon Biard, Matthew Hayes, Dennis Andrulis, Dr. Joseph Kruppa and Brian Owens

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the Funeraria Del Angel Howard-Williams in Hebbronville with Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Greenhill Cemetery in Jim Hogg County.