Born in Monte Vista, Colorado on October 24, 1946, to his parents Gilbert and Connie Armenta, Pete was an incredible learner with a keen ability to self-teach skills and talents by reading books and then sharing those talents in the world in order to bring cheer to others. His greatest passions were making jewelry, needlework, woodworking, building and flying RC planes and drones, all of which he shared with others with a generous kind heart. Pete's greatest love was his family. He enjoyed spending time with his wife Rita and had many adventures throughout the years including traveling, tasting different cuisines, watching plays, movies and especially spending time camping together and with his family. Pete enjoyed spending time with his children teaching, supporting, and helping them develop their own interests and talents, but he most especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Pete always had a smile on his face and a joke on his lips. He never met a person he didn't like, and he collected friends every day he left his home. He had a great sense of humor and never missed the opportunity to share his jokes and fun with everyone he was with.
Pete served our nation honorably on Active-Duty as a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corp. between 1966 and 1968 and continued his honorable service for 6 more years as a Reservist. During his time in the Marines, Pete served one tour in the Vietnam War and was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, and Rifle Marksman Badge. As a civilian, Pete worked as a federal air traffic controller for nearly 33 years and then before entering retirement, Pete worked for a short time with Lockheed Martin. On 9/11/2001 Pete took part in and assisted in accomplishing “the impossible” task of overseeing the emergency landing of nearly 5,000 planes within just 3 hours earning a NATCA (National Air Traffic Controller Association) Presidential Emeritus Award. Pete’s lengthy career in aviation helped fuel his interest for his RC planes and drones.
Outside of work, Pete spent a considerable amount of time volunteering. Pete was passionate about his involvement in Youth Ministry since 1984. He was also a Charter Member at St. Joseph's Knights of Columbus, Eucharistic Minister, and Lector. Pete's deep devotion to Mother Mary inspired him to use his talents to make rosaries and donated them to benefit church activities and anyone who showed interest in his rosaries to enlighten their life. Pete also taught them to pray the Rosary and provided a Rosary card to help them continue praying the Rosary independently.
Pete will be lovingly remembered by his wife Rita Armenta, nee Cote who were married just shy of 54 years, his three children: Alicia McLester (Chris), Jeremy Armenta, Rachel Cruz (Stan), four grandchildren: Alexis Cruz, Ethann Cruz, Gabriel McLester, Brandon McLester, two brothers: William Armenta and Eric Armenta and numerous other family members and friends.
Those who lovingly welcomed Pete into heaven include: His parents, Gilbert & Connie Armenta, his sisters Julie Williams, Evelyn Armenta, his nephew Lee, and his grandparents.
A Rosary will be held beginning at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 at Johnson's Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart with burial to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society in Pete's name. The family would also like to thank Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital and Hospice of San Angelo for their compassionate care of Pete.
Our family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude for all the good thoughts and prayers as it brought peace and blessings to our family and our beloved Pete.
