Obituary of Pedro A. Vasquez

Pedro A. Vasquez peacefully entered eternal life on September 10, 2020 surrounded by his children.  He is now in God’s embrace. He was greeted in heaven by his wife of 58 years, Mary Vasquez, who passed in 2008; his daughter, Andrea Vasquez; his parents, Inocencio and Epifania Vasquez, and his siblings, Leonor Vasquez Gutierrez, Cruz Vasquez, and Mary Vasquez Mata. Mr. Vasquez proudly served our country as a member of the United States Army and is a WWII veteran, receiving the WWII Victory Medal and 5 Bronze Service Stars.

Pedro was born 1923 and grew up near Mendoza, Texas.  He cherished memories of the many significant persons who shaped and influenced him in his youth and he valued his Mexican heritage (Diez y Seis), family, faith, and hard work.

At age 96 he was the family historian who vividly recounted stories of family ancestry.   

Among the few remaining World War II Veterans, he proudly shared stories of his service and sacrifice for our country. He served in the US Army in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged in November 1945.

A cancer survivor, Pedro remained independent and stayed connected with long-time friends.  He enjoyed visits with family and friends.  Although he endured some health limitations, that did not stop him from joining family and friends for celebrations and special occasions.  For years, he faithfully rode the senior transportation bus to the South Austin Senior Activity Center for lunch and enjoyed being around people and meeting new friends.  He thrived on the outdoors enjoying the sun and taking in the beauty of nature.  He enjoyed rides through the back country roads pointing out historical markers of the early days. He favored outings to local restaurants to dine on “gorditas and other Mexican dishes” in the company of loved ones.

He leaves a legacy of family values, faith, and patriotic pride. He is lovingly remembered by his family and friends for his interest in the well-being of each one.

He is survived by his children: Sr. Elizabeth Ann Vasquez, SSCJ, Inocencio (Lisa Marie) Vasquez, Joseph Vasquez, and Carmen Vasquez Cullers; his grandchildren, Gabriel Vasquez, James (Jessica) Vasquez, Jacob Vasquez, Matthew Cullers, and Kevin Cullers; great grandchildren, Kristen(Jonathan Martinez) Vasquez, Marcus Vasquez, Noah Vasquez, Aniston Vasquez, and Teigan Vasquez; one great-great grandchild, Gianna Martinez; his sister, Tiburcia Ramirez; many nieces, nephews, and other loving family, Gloria Vasquez, and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-9:00 p.m. with Recitation of Holy Rosary beginning at 6:30 on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at Mission Funeral Home - South Side, 6204 S. First St., Austin, Texas.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 on Friday, September 18, 2020 at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church, 126 W. Oltorf St., Austin, Texas.  Private Interment (immediate family) with Military Honors will follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S. IH 35 Feeder Rd., Austin, Texas.

Recitation of Holy Rosary will be live-streamed to allow those unable to attend to participate.  Follow link to Facebook Live Mission - South Side

Due to the Coronavirus /  COVID-19 Restrictions from the City of Austin,

capacity levels are restricted at funeral homes, churches, and cemeteries.

Each person entering the funeral home, church, and cemetery will be required to wear a mask

and to practice social distancing of 6 feet or more.   If you are ill or are concerned about the virus,

it is recommended that you not attend services. 

The family is so grateful to everyone for their understanding, love, and support

during this very difficult time.