Pedro Lara, Sr.

Mr. Pedro Lara, 82, has entered into God's presence and completed his journey on this earth on February 17, 2024. 

Lovingly known as “Tata” to his grandchildren, Pedro loved dancing and listening to his music on YouTube. He also enjoyed watching movies on Amazon Prime and Netflix.  His family was his most precious treasure.  He was always ready to gather people together for get togethers and birthdays.  He always got a big laugh when we would sing the “Lara” birthday song.  His faith kept him strong and courageous during his illness.   We will miss him dearly, but there is no doubt in our hearts that he is rejoicing and healed in heaven with our mother Lydia.

Pedro worked for LISD for 35 years.  He started his career in 1964 at Daiches Elementary School as a 5^th and 6^th grade teacher.  He went up the ranks as a counselor, assistant principal and in 1987, he served as Principal of Memorial Middle School.  In 1989, he became the Principal of Cigarroa High School.  He continued and ended his career as an administrator at LISD main offices as Grant Writer and UIL Academic Program Coordinator.  In 2000 and 2005, he served as the Assistant Regional Director and Regional Director, respectively for Texas A&M University Center for the Housing and Urban Development.  

Pedro obtained his Bachelor of Science in History and Government in 1963 and his Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling in 1974 from Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas.  In 1982, he completed his Certificate in Mid-Management and in 1984, he completed his Superintendent Course Requirements.  Pedro proudly served as a Commissioned 2^nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve in June on 1968.  He was a graduate from the Officer Candidate School and Infantry School in Fort Benning, Georgia.

Mr. Lara was preceded in death by his wife Lydia L. Lara; parents Eduardo and Maria G. Lara; brother Juan E. Lara; sisters Dolores Lara and Alicia L. Cron; and uncles Raymundo and Antonio Ramos.

Mr. Lara is survived by his children, Pedro (Patricia) Lara, Jr., Gerardo Patricio (Janie) Lara, Francisco Eduardo (Christina Gabriela) Lara, Marco Antonio (Berenice) Lara and Monica Azalea (Jose) Calcaneo; grandchildren Darla Sophia Lara, Pedro Lara III, Valeria Lizandra Lara, Gerardo Patricio Lara, Jr., Nicolas Alexander Lara, Daniel Enrique Lara, Isaac Ray Anthony Lara, and Jose Alfonso Calcaneo III; brothers Eduardo Lara and Ricardo Lara; brother in laws Francisco (Sylvia) Ortiz, Leonel (Maria) Ortiz, Fernando Ortiz, Tony Cron; sister in law Delia Ortiz.  He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces from the Lara and Cron family.

The Lara family will receive condolences on Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 5 to 9 pm at Hillside Funerals & Cremations, where a Rosary will be offered for the repose of his soul at 7 pm.

The procession will depart the chapel at 10 am on Friday, February 23, 2024, to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am.

Rite of Committal and Interment with Military Honors will follow at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with his beloved wife, Lydia.

Pallbearers will be: Pedro Lara Jr., Gerardo Patricio Lara, Francisco Eduardo Lara, Marco Antonio Lara, Jose Alfonso Calcaneo Jr., Pedro Lara III, Nicolas Alexander Lara, and Daniel Enrique Lara.

Honorary Pallbearers will be:  Gerardo Patricio Lara Jr., Jose Alfonso Calcaneo III, Isaac Ray Anthony Lara, Eduardo Lara, and Ricardo Lara.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Hillside Funerals & Cremations; 310 W. Hillside Rd.; Laredo, TX 78041; 956.724.6060