Pedro "Pete" Garza Jr.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our loved one, Pedro Garza Jr (Pete), who was taken from us too soon on Saturday September 7th, 2024, at the age of 60 after fighting a battle with cirrhosis of the liver. Pete was born February 16th, 1964, to Pedro F. and Rosa T. Garza in San Benito, Texas. His family would migrate back and forth from Texas to Washington State during his early years. At 10 years old, his family settled in Sunnyside, Washington, where he received his education and graduated from Sunnyside High School with the class of 1984. At an early age, Pete worked in agriculture to help his mom provide for his younger siblings. In high school, he became a police explorer with the Sunnyside Police Department and helped with animal control as well. After graduating in 1984, he became a dedicated Corrections Officer with SPD for 20 plus years and built bonds with inmates because of his caring and humble ways.

 Pete started his family in the mid 80’s where he married and had five children Jason, Jonathan, Pedro III, Yvette, and Rosa. He was a dedicated father, loved taking family camping trips, coaching sports teams, to eventually starting his own business, Garza Security Services. Throughout the years of his security business, he worked at numerous events and dances, as well as providing security for Mid Valley Mall and Ace Hardware, both in Sunnyside. In 2012, Pete found love again with Mari Valenzuela and became a stepfather to her two sons Andre and Shaqueel. They married in 2015 and made their home in Granger, Washington.  

Pete enjoyed trips with his wife to the casino, the beach, fishing, camping, or simply taking a drive out to the mountains. He also enjoyed working in his yard or watching old western tv shows, as well as spending time with his grandchildren. His favorite time of the day was bonding with his three girl's “Dogs” Abby, Chyna, and Harley. If you knew Pete, you knew he was either fixing, breaking, or inventing something. Pete brought immeasurable joy and light into our lives with his kind heart, radiant smile, and endless goofiness. Though his time with us was brief, the depth of love and happiness he shared will forever remain in our hearts.   Pete is survived by his wife Mari Garza of Granger, his children Jonathan Garza (Erica) of Sunnyside, Pedro Garza III (Kayla) of Grandview, Yvette Garza and Rosa Garza of Sunnyside, Shaqueel Harrell (Esperansa) of Granger, and his niece whom he considered as a daughter Krystal Garza (his knucklehead) of Sunnyside. His siblings Linda Garza of Sunnyside, Rick Garza (Toni) of Pasco, James Garza (Magoo) of Pasco, Jennifer Garza of Toppenish, Eric Garza (Angela) of Grandview, Elizabeth, Christina, and Tina Garza of San Benito Texas, 20 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Also, numerous nieces and nephews.  He is proceeded in death by his mother and father (Rosa and Pedro Sr.), his brother (Eduardo), his sons (Jason and Andre), two nephews (Eric John Jr and Germayne), his father-in-law (Valdomero) and his beloved dogs (Sparkles and Roxy).

Viewing and visitation will be held on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA.  Funeral Service will be on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Sunnyside, WA   Burial will follow at the Lower Valley Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside, WA .    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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