Pedro "Pete" Garza, Jr.

Pedro "Pete" Garza, Jr., loving husband, father, grandfather, engineer, and man of faith, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 15, 2026, at the age of 82. Surrounded throughout his life by the love of family and sustained by his faith in God, Pete now joins his parents, Pedro Garza and Tomasa Garza, and countless loved ones who helped shape the life he so faithfully lived. Born on January 31, 1944, in Harlingen, Texas, to Pedro Garza, and Tomasa Garza, Pete was raised on 1308 South Eighth Street alongside his brother, Jim. He often spoke of the sacrifices his parents made to build a life for their family despite humble beginnings. Their example of hard work, perseverance, and responsibility would leave a lasting mark on him and help shape the man he would become. Blessed with natural strength, stature, and determination, Pete excelled as an athlete and earned recognition as an All-District Guard for the Harlingen Cardinals in 1962. Yet his path was not always straightforward. After stumbling academically during his senior year, he resolved to change the course of his future. He attended Southmost College before continuing his education at Texas A&M University, where he became a proud Aggie and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1966. For a young man who had once struggled to find his direction, it was a remarkable achievement and a testament to the determination that would define the rest of his life. While attending Texas A&M, Pete's life was transformed not only by education but also by faith. Through the influence of his roommate and dear friend, Scott Pierce, he came to know Jesus Christ in a personal way. That faith became the foundation that guided him through the successes, challenges, and responsibilities that followed. Following graduation, Pete began his engineering career in Houston, working in biomedical engineering with NASA and later with General Electric. During this time, he contributed to engineering efforts associated with the nation's space program during the historic Apollo era before continuing his engineering career with General Electric. For a young man from Harlingen who had once struggled academically, contributing to projects associated with America's space program reflected just how far perseverance and determination had taken him. Pete's greatest earthly blessing arrived in the form of Pearl Rodriguez. The two met at an open house hosted by Harlingen National Bank and were married on August 10, 1969. Their marriage would span more than fifty-six years and become the cornerstone of the family they built together. Through every season of life, Pearl was his faithful partner, source of strength, and greatest supporter. In 1973, Pete and Pearl returned to Harlingen with their first daughter, Selena. Pete joined his father at Garza Electric, where he learned the electrical trade firsthand before working under engineer Joe Hamit and eventually establishing Pete Garza Consulting Engineer in 1979 and later worked for a time with architect and good friend (and fellow Aggie) the late Rudy Gomez in their partnership as Gomez Garza Design Inc. during the 90s. Through his efforts, Pete contributed to many of the Rio Grande Valley's most significant educational, institutional, and civic projects, including Texas State Technical College, Valley International Airport, and numerous schools and public facilities that continue to serve the region today. He also served as President of the Harlingen School Board, helping establish the foundation for dual-enrollment opportunities between Harlingen schools and Texas State Technical College that have benefited generations of students. During his family life-time he was a member of First Baptist Church Harlingen until his mobility faltered. Among his many accomplishments, Pete was most proud of his family. He believed that providing for and protecting those he loved was one of life's highest callings. He was a man of integrity who approached life much as he approached engineering: with careful planning, preparation, responsibility, and a commitment to doing things the right way. He carried burdens quietly, sacrificed willingly, and consistently placed the needs of his family ahead of his own. Through hard work, steady guidance, and unwavering devotion, he created opportunities for his children and grandchildren that he never had himself. Those who knew Pete understood that beneath his serious and disciplined exterior was a warm heart, a quick wit, and a sense of humor that often surfaced around the family dinner table. As the years passed, his gentler side became increasingly evident through the joy he found in family gatherings, time spent with his grandchildren, and the relationships he cherished most. In his later years, as health challenges mounted following a stroke, Pete leaned ever more heavily on prayer and his faith in God. He remained grateful for the love, support, and prayers of his wife, family, and friends. Through seasons of uncertainty, he trusted God's providence and found strength in the faith that had guided him since his college years. Though he will be deeply missed, Pete leaves behind a legacy of faith, perseverance, quiet sacrifice, and devotion to family. The buildings and institutions he helped shape will serve the community for years to come, but his greatest achievement remains the family he loved, provided for, and guided throughout his life. Pete is survived by his loving wife, Pearl Garza; his daughter, Selena Stockton (Rodney) of Pharr, TX; his sons, Peter Garza (Veronica) of Harlingen, TX and Christopher Garza (Rebecca) of McAllen, TX; his daughter, Deanna Garza (Gloria Ayala) of Austin, TX; his grandchildren, Illiana Mercer (Chris), Shawn (Buddy) Mungia, Kiana Mungia, Brandon Mungia, Caleb Garza, Joshua (Josh) Garza, Abigail (Abby) Garza; his great grandchildren, Amelia Mercer and Wyatt Mercer, his brother, Jim Garza (Nora Aden) of Lake McQueeny, TX; and many extended family members and friends whose lives were enriched by his example, wisdom, and steadfast love. Throughout the challenges of his later years and final months, Pete was blessed by the care, encouragement, and prayers of many people who walked alongside him and his family. The family is especially grateful to his brothers-in-law, David Rodriguez and Hector Rodriguez for their support during times of need, to helper and prayer warriors Teresa Rodriguez, Art Chavez, the Hall family and many friends, caregivers, medical professionals, and loved ones whose kindness, compassion, and generosity brought comfort to Pete and those who cared for him. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Peter Garza, Christopher Garza, Rodney Stockton, Jim Garza, and other family members and friends whose lives were touched by Pete's example and love. The Garza family also extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who has shared prayers, condolences, memories, and words of encouragement. The outpouring of love and support has been a source of strength and comfort during this time of loss. The family is especially grateful to his brothers-in-law, David Rodriguez, Hector Rodriguez and Ben Rodriguez for their support during times of need. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rudy Garza Funeral Home. Visitation there will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, with public viewing beginning at 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and family viewing from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. with an evening service at 7:00 p.m. at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace in Harlingen with Art Chavez officiating. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at same location at 12:30 p.m. with Pastor Chris Hall officiating. The funeral will depart the funeral home at 1:30 p.m. for a 2:00 p.m. burial at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward at the Garza residence for refreshments and fellowship. Arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen.

Pedro "Pete" Garza, Jr.

January 31, 1944 - June 15, 2026

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