Pedro Antonio Nicacio

Pedro (Pete) A. Nicacio Jr. passed away peacefully on July 28, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 91. He was born on January 18, 1934, in Dallas, Texas, to Pedro and Maria Olvera Nicacio. Pete was the eldest brother to sisters Eva (deceased), Teresa, and Romelia (deceased), and brothers Richard, Frank (deceased), and Bill (deceased). In late 1941 or early 1942, his family moved to the Yakima Valley to work in the fields, eventually making it their home. After graduating from Mabton High School in 1954, Pete proudly served in the United States Air Force as an air traffic controller overseas. He was honorably discharged in November 1957 from Larson Air Force Base in Moses Lake, WA. On October 20, 1956, Pete married the love of his life, Rosa Maria Macias. They bought their first home in Mabton in September 1957 while he worked for the Washington State Patrol in Sunnyside. Determined to provide a better future for his children, Pete emphasized education as the key to a life beyond fieldwork. His commitment to this goal led the family to move to Richland, WA, in the fall of 1962. Pete was supported in his upbringing by Luz Hernandez and Francisca Nicacio, they both played a substantial role in Pete's pursuit of providing a better life for his kids through education. In 1968, Pete moved his family to Seattle, working two jobs while attending the University of Washington from 1968 to 1972. While in Seattle, Pete, together with Mike Anaya and Alberto Del Valle, co-founded The Active Mexicanos. The Organization provided training and a wide range of support programs for the Hispanic community.  After completing his education and graduating with honors, Pete moved his family back to Richland in 1972. Pete began a long career with the Employment Security Office in Pasco, where he dedicated himself to helping veterans find work through the Veterans Outreach Program. He remained in that role until his retirement in 1999. During this time, in the mid-1980s, he also earned a Masters's degree in Social Work from Eastern Washington Univerisity. Pete and Rosa were blessed with ten children, seven sons and three daughters. He is survived by Pete Nicacio III (Terri), Ana Rose Sherwood (David), Dr. Eva Pacheco (Dr. Arnold), Dr. Robert Nicacio (Dr. Linda Medeski-Nicacio), Dr. Luis Nicacio (Cynthia), Rita Brown (Chris), Dr. Rudy Nicacio (Lucky), Dr. John Nicacio (Kelli), Dr. Pablo Nicacio (Mandy), and Dr. Jaime Nicacio (Maria). He also leaves behind thirtyseven grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren, his brother Richard Nicacio, and sister Teresa Anaya.Pete passed on his deep love for God, family, and country to all his children—along with his enthusiasm for cars. He cherished playing dominoes with his father, watching his children participate in sports (especially wrestling), he enjoyed watching boxing and later enjoyed golfing and time spent with family in his retirement. Pete spent much of his later years in continual prayer and adoration in front of the Blessed Eucharist. The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who lovingly attended to Pete. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Smith’s Funeral Home Chapel in Sunnyside, WA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grandview, WA. Burial with Military honors will follow at the Mabton Cemetery, with a celebration of life immediately afterward at Blessed Sacrament Church. Those wishing to sign Pete’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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