Pedro Reyna

Pedro “Pete” Reyna, born on September 21, 1939, in San Antonio, Texas, was called to be with the Lord on May 19, 2026, at the age of 86. He lived a long, healthy, adventurous, moral, and faithfully dedicated life centered around his family. To know Pete was to know strength, loyalty, patience, and unconditional love.

Pete was the kind of man who could walk into a room and instantly make it feel brighter. He never met a stranger — only people who had not yet become family. Patient, wise, and kind; he was always ready with a fact, a story, or a piece of history. He was the life of every gathering, the storyteller everyone gathered around, and the person you could always count on when life felt heavy.

Our father, Pedro, was first and foremost a man of God. He lived by God’s word, instilled in him by his parents. Pete had a strong family foundation growing up, and he visited his surviving siblings weekly. After visiting his 94‑year‑old sister, Irene, he would always tell her, “Remember, Jesus loves you and so do I.” He loyally visited our mother, Mary Helen, at the cemetery for nearly 29 years. After leaving flowers and tending to her grave, he would do the same for his parents, siblings, and other relatives.

Pete loved spending quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Whether it was a movie, cartoons, sports, or the news, he simply enjoyed being present. He rarely missed a holiday or a birthday. He often tagged along with us “just for the ride” — even to the hair salon for his girls. He never needed a haircut, thanks to his trusted barber, but what mattered to him was being there. His presence was his way of showing how important each of us was to him. He thrived from his family, and he leaves behind a legacy that cannot be replaced.

Our dad had an extraordinary memory. He remembered every family member’s name, no matter how distant they were. Pete was as sharp as they came and had a passion for learning. He was well‑rounded in many subjects and watched local and world news every morning and evening. He loved to read, especially the San Antonio Express-News (and the San Antonio Light when it was still around). Every morning he eagerly awaited his newspaper, reading it from front to back and folding it back perfectly — a skill none of us ever mastered. He always knew when someone else had touched it; the folds gave us away. You could ask him anything, and he always had an answer. He never left us wondering.

It was almost impossible for him to go anywhere without someone recognizing him. His children would ask, “Apa, who was that?” and he would respond with an impressive explanation of who they were, where they were from, and how he knew them.

He was compassionate to all walks of life. If someone needed help, he would stop and offer kindness without hesitation. He never worried about whether a stranger might harm him — that was the depth of his faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He believed in the good in people, even when they did not show it. That’s the kind of man he was. He could not pass someone in need without offering assistance.

Our dad was respectful and unjudgmental. He always said there were two sides to every story. Judging others was not his place. Everyone has their own story, and he knew that — but he never needed to know it to give you respect.

He proudly served his country at a young age in the United States Army, with deployments overseas in Germany and service during the Vietnam War. He had a long and strong work ethic, working until the age of 70. He came from a different generation and taught us values that the world still needs today — values we will strive every day to uphold and make him proud.

We are convinced that his beloved daily coffee kept him strong and helped him live a long, healthy life. Another contender for his heart, right alongside his faith and family, was his food. He loved to eat, and we never knew where he put it all.

Pete is preceded in death by his parents, Encarnacion Reyna and Sofia Teniente Reyna; his wife, Mary Helen Reyna; siblings Richard Reyna, Raul “Rudy” Reyna, Modesta Reyna, Leonarda “Carrie” Vargas, and Apolinar “Polo” Reyna; and niece, Elaine Donias.

He leaves behind the close‑knit family he cherished: his children Maria Luisa Garcia, David “Bucko” Rubio, Jr., Mary Frances “Bebe” (Tony), Sofia Reyna, and Maria “Lola” Dolores; grandchildren Lupe “Bino,” Vanessa, Valerie, Randy, James Anthony, Tony, Dajvi, Aidan, Amedao, Alyssa, Valina, Bella, Matthew David, Pamela, and Alfonso; great‑grandchildren Amia, Tristan Angel, Xavier, Catiana, Hector, Olive, Alora, and Elliot; and his long‑living siblings Irene, Janie (Robert), Manuel (Amelia), and Raymond (Janie).

A special thanks goes to David Nino and Raul Armendariz, whom our dad loved as if they were his own sons. Words fall short of describing the impact our dad had on our lives and on all who had the privilege of knowing him. There will never be anyone who could take his place or reflect on what he meant to us. His love, his lessons, and his spirit will live in our hearts forever.

Visitation will begin on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel Trevino, 226 Cupples Rd., San Antonio, TX 78237, with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m.

Procession will depart from the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, for a 10:00 a.m. Mass of the Resurrection at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 4222 S.W. Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78227. Burial will follow at San Fernando Cemetery II, 746 Castroville Rd., San Antonio, TX 78237.

Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.funerariadelangelcupples.com.