Perfecto (Pete) Bernardo Abeyta, 91, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. passed away Tuesday May 30, 2017 at home in Segundo, Colorado surrounded by loved ones.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ercilia (Aragon) Abeyta, his sons Robert, Morris, Stephen (Yvonne), his daughter Rhoda, along with 19 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren, his brothers Carlos, Herman, Anthony, Floyd (Michelle), Art (Monica) and numerous nieces and nepews. He is preceded in death by his sons Michael, David, Alvin, his sisters Celia Strock, Ann Padilla and his brother Martin.
He was born in Cokedale, Colorado on June 30, 1925 to Jose Dionisio Abeyta and Leonarda (Vallejos)Abeyta. As a young boy he helped on the family ranch milking cows and tending sheep. As a young man he worked very hard with his brothers for the family business. His responsibilities included cutting props, as well as loading the props, coal and sand and then delivering and unloading.
He was drafted into the Army during WWII and fought in the Philippine Liberation in the Pacific, including the battle for Leyte Island. He volunteered to occupy Japan before his honorable discharge on April 17, 1946. What he endured was unimaginable. He returned as a war hero and was awarded several medals and ribbons including two bronze stars for heroic acts. In 2012 he was privileged to attend the Rocky Mountain Honor Flight program where he and other WWII veterans were taken to Washington, DC to experience the WWII memorial and honored for their sacrifices and service to our country. Even though he was recognized as a hero by all, he maintained his humility and commented“that he only did what he had to with his brothers in combat”.
Upon his return he courted and married Ercilia Aragon on January 26, 1948. He worked as a coalminer in Valdez, Colorado for approximately 10 years. He moved his family to Colorado Springs, Colorado for 5 years working at the Air Force Academy. He transferred to The Denver Mint in 1963where he worked as a foreman. He excelled and received many awards for his performance including the Mayoral award from Mayor McNichols because of his hard work ethic and the way he paid attention to detail. His integrity in life carried over to his work and he believed in no short cuts and a job done right. He retired on February 2, 1985.
He fulfilled his dream to return home to Segundo, Colorado where he enjoyed his retirement for 32 years
Visitation will be Friday June 2, 2017 from 3pm-6:30pm at Comi Chapel, Trinidad, Colorado
Rosary will be recited Friday June 6, 2017 at 7pm at Holy Trinity Church, Trinidad, Colorado
Funeral Mass will be Monday June 5, 2017 1PM, at Holy Trinity Church.
Active pallbearers Alvin Abeyta Jr., Jesse Abeyta, Damian Abeyta, Osacar Chagoya, Joaquin Trujillo, Adrian Abeyta-Lopez.
Interment with Rite of Committal with Military Honors will be Tuesday June 6, 2017 ,2PM at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.
Arrangements made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home.
