CASTAñEDA, Pete (Pedro) L.

McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel, Safford, Arizona Pete L. Castañeda September 15, 1934 - December 22, 2015 Pete (Pedro) L. Castañeda, 81, a lifetime resident of Clifton, passed away Dec. 22, 2015, at his home. He was born September 15, 1934, in Metcalf, to Vicenta and Pedro Castañeda. Pete was one of the remaining survivors born in Metcalf and was recognized as such at the annual Baile de Viejos. He attended schools in the Clifton area and was a graduating member of the Clifton High School class of ‘53. He joined the U.S. Army and served his country honorably. He then went on to the Maricopa Skill Center to learn his trade in welding and worked in the mine as a boilermaker and welder. Pete married Magdalena “Maggie” Chavarria on Jan. 25, 1958, at the Sacred Heart Parish in Clifton, and to that union were born three children: John, Yvonne and Jacob. He was a member of the American Legion Post #28, the Clifton Social Club and a former Clifton Town Council member. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and brick masonry. Pete loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved spending time with his family and friends at his summer home in Alpine. Pete is survived by: his loving wife of 57 years, Maggie; children, John, Yvonne and Jacob; sisters, Esther Chacon, Minnie Montez, Margie Montez, Tila Gregorian and Sally McGovern; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by: his parents, Vicenta and Pedro Castañeda; sister, Rachel Montoya; and brother, Ernest (Sorra) Castañeda. A memorial Mass will be held Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, at 10 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Parish in Clifton, with interment to follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Morenci with military honors. Services are under the direction of McDougal’s Caldwell Funeral Chapel and Gila Valley Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com.