"Pete was a kind and honest man who always had a good word to share with friends. "
WESLACO - Pedro "Pete" Lerma, 80, passed away on Sunday, July 29, 2018, at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco. He was born on December 18, 1937, in Donna, Texas to Charlie Lerma and Concepcion De Leon. He grew up in Donna with his older sister Saragoza Arriaga. Pete was always very driven to succeed. He was a star athlete in high school playing football and baseball for the Donna Redskins.
Pete joined the National Guard shortly after high school and was called into active duty. When he returned, he attended Pan American University and went to work for the Department of Human Services for the next 22 years as the director for Aging and Disability. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and in 1985, opened his downtown Weslaco store, Texas Quality Furniture, where he was famously known as "the owner, manager, and janitor", servicing the mid-valley for the next 22 years. Pete thrived as an entrepreneur and was instrumental in the transformation of downtown Weslaco. He was very active in the city, serving as a Weslaco Chamber red coat ambassador, Lion's Club, serving on the Board of the RGV Food Bank and Board of Foster Grandparents program, an active member of St. Pius X Catholic Church. He was chosen as Weslaco's Citizen of the Year in 2002. Pete always stayed involved with an elite group of baseball players, known as the Cardinals of the 50s. Pete was also inducted into Leonajo's Hall of Fame for his legendary baseball skills.
Pete will mostly be remembered for his strong work ethic and sense of responsibility for his community. Pete enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He attended many of their sporting/dance events and was a very supportive grandfather.
Pete is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of over 40 years, Emma, his children, Pamela Lerma Granado (Robert) of Edinburg, Susanmarie Lerma of Weslaco, Priscilla Gonzalez (Joel) of Weslaco, Sabrina Lerma of Weslaco, Pete Lerma Jr. of New Braunfels, mother of his daughters, Susan Lerma, grandchildren, Celeste, Justin, Gabrianne, Ciera, Avery, Jackson, Gwenyth, great-grandsons, Damian, Misael, and numerous nephews and nieces.
The family would like to offer special thanks to the staff at Retama Manor in Weslaco for their compassionate care.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 31st, from 3-9pm, rosary, 7 pm at McCaleb Funeral Home. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 1st, 10 am, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco, interment to follow at Highland Memorial Park.
Serving as pallbearers are Arnoldo Perez, Jose Perez, Angel Perez, Willie Perez, Robert Granado, and Joel Gonzalez, honorary pallbearers, Silvestere Rodriguez, Cesar Montelongo, Erasmo Cano, Leo Adame, Arturo Rodriguez, Buddy Hernandez, Justin Gonzalez, and Jose Margarito Rocha.
"Pete was a kind and honest man who always had a good word to share with friends. "
"I?ll remember the last I seen him I was talking about how funny George Lopez was and my Uncle Pete said??I Don?t like him always talking about his grandma. I was surprised.! So glad I had the time with you. Love you Uncle Pete. A new angel in heaven please say hi to my Dad. Love you always all the way from Michigan. Diane Goldberg."
"Pete was an amazing friend and always had a genuine smile. May God bless his soul. I look forward to seeing him again in Heaven. Beau Miller ?61 "
"Our prayers are with you and your family."
"Our prayers are with you and your family."
"My prayers are with you and your family."
"My prayers are with you and your family."
"I knew Pete to be a quite person but enjoyed having fun with family and friends. He sincerely loved his family and would do anything to make them happy. I remember when ever I visited the Valley, Arnaldo and I would Challenge him to pool games. Thinking that maybe this time we could beat him, but he would once again take us out. I will always have those happy memories of this special guy. May he rest in peace. Mack Shaw "
"We will truly miss all the phone calls, coffe gatherings, social outings and going to Louisiana but most of all just him. We dearly loved Pete. Love Silver and Eva "
"Uncle Pete was a great man who always had a warm, welcoming smile, and a funny joke to make you laugh. He will be missed dearly. Our love and prayers to Aunt Emma, my cousins, and all who loved him. Margaret and Madeleine Lerma"
"God Bless Pete and may he rest in peace. Pete was a true friend for many years and we grateful to have known him and his family!"