Former Gilroy City Councilman, Pete, passed away on April 13, 2019.  He was 73 years young.  Pete is a native Gilroyan and was very proud of his town.  He left behind his beloved wife, Linda Faye Valdez, who just celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on April 10th.  He also left behind his only daughter, Christina Nellie Martinez, his only son, Pete Joseph Valdez, and his three grandchildren, Roger Marcus, Raymond Ethan and Sophia Ella Martinez (all living in Gilroy).  Pete was known to his grandchildren as "Papa."  Pete also left behind aunts, uncles and cousins.  Pete was a devoted husband, father, Papa, mentor, advocate, teacher, business owner and most of all a friend.  He was always helping others without reservation, and his actions always came from his heart.  His heart was pure.  He loved his family dearly and loved the Lord dearly.  We will all miss him very much.  Those who know Pete also know his list of accomplishments are endless, and now we know he has made it to his final resting place.

He was born and raised in Gilroy, Ca.

He attended Gilroy schools and graduated Gilroy High School in 1964.

He attended Gavilan College in Gilroy and graduated with his AA degree.

He served as a Pilot/Special Intelligences in the United States Air Force. Recipient of Distinguished Flying Cross and a Vietnam Veteran

He attended California State University Stanislaus, Turlock, Ca and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Arts in Sociology.

He attended California State of San Francisco and graduated with a Master's Degree in Vocational Education.

He was employed at Center of Employment of Training in Gilroy 1973.

He served on the Gilroy City Council for 16 years.

He was a teacher at Gavilan College and taught a Business class.

He was  involved with Gilroy Garlic Festival.

He was involved with Gilroy Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

He supported youth arts/senior citizens/special Olympics/Cal-trans and VTA for Gilroy.

St. Mary's Parish Eucharistic Minister, CCD Teacher.

A Funeral Service and Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 10:30 am at Habing Family Funeral Home.  A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:30 pm at St. Mary Church, Gilroy.  Burial will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 10:30 am at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.