PEDRO E. VILLAFRANCA

Pedro “Pete” Villafranca was born on September 3, 1946, in Crookston, Minnesota, and passed away on June 25, 2026, in Laredo, Texas.

During the seventy-nine years between his birth and passing, Pedro traveled the roads and highways of the country he loved so much, as a dedicated truck driver.

Pedro and the Villafranca’s traveled for a time to the farmlands of Deckerville and Sandusky, Michigan, where he worked hauling cucumbers and sugar beets.

Throughout his life, he also worked for LCL Transporter and BTT, where he earned numerous accolades for his outstanding performance, including multiple Safe Driver of the Year awards.

To his extended Villafranca and Lopez families, he was lovingly known as “Pete” and “Uncle Pete.” His nephews and nieces adored him for his wonderful sense of humor, his love of life, and the Dodge Charger he proudly let them ride in and, on occasion, even borrow. Pedro and his beloved wife, Olga, welcomed both official and unofficial family members into their humble home, sharing their love and generosity unconditionally.

Pedro was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Maria Christina; his son, Pedro “Peter” Villafranca Jr.; his parents, Miguel and Petra Villafranca; and his parents-in-law, Gregorio and Tomasita Lopez. He was also preceded in death by many beloved siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law.

He is survived by his loving wife, Olga L. Villafranca, and his son, Juan M. Villafranca of New York. He is also survived by his daughter in life, Lourdes (Juan) De Luna; his grandchildren in life, Lizette and Raul Soliz, Juan De Luna Jr., and Viannei (Immanuel) Saldivar; and his cherished great-granddaughter, Maeve Lana Saldivar.

Also left to cherish his memory are his siblings, Matias, Ruben, and Guadalupe Villafranca, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Visitation will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., followed by a Vigil for the Deceased at 9:00 a.m. at Hernandez, Lopez and Sons Northside Chapels, 800 Boston Street at San Bernardo Avenue. The funeral procession will depart the chapel at 10:30 a.m., with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. in San Luis Rey Catholic Church. Committal services and interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Pedro’s memory to Shriners Children’s Hospital.

Olga and Juan extend their heartfelt gratitude to their family, friends and community for the love, generosity, kindness, and support they have shown during this difficult time—and always.

PALLBEARERS: Juan De Luna Jr., Raul Soliz, Juan De Luna Sr., Marco Hernandez, Armando X. Lopez, Johnny Carillo, Marco Renteria and Joe Barrera.

HONORARY PALLBEARER: Roel Hernandez, Gregorio M. Lopez, Gregorio Lopez, Michael Lopez, Ruben Villafranca and Stephen Lopez.