Pedro "Piro" Blanco

Pedro “Piro” Blanco, 77

Pedro Blanco, affectionately known as "Piro," or “Pete White,” passed away peacefully at the age of 77, surrounded by his loving family on April 1, 2025. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Piro’s presence brought warmth and laughter to everyone who knew him.

Piro was born on January 8, 1948, In Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua to Isidro Blanco Canales and Juana Vasquez Blanco, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his closest cousin Salvador Rodriguez, brothers-in-law Pedro Estrada, Armando Estrada, Jesus Estrada and Manuel Jimenez, and cousins Jaime Rodriguez, Berta Lemus, Jorge Lemus, Aunt Carmen Luna, Paula Luna, Delia Luna, Carol Luna, and Jesus Luna. Tony and Estela Melendez, who he regarded as second parents, preceded him in death along with cherished friends, Rudy Burrola, Valentin Cortez and Eloy Prieto.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Socorro Blanco; cherished daughters Lorena Blanco and Rebeca Blanco; and beloved grandsons, Aaron Bachicha (Charlotte) and Sean Blanco. His time spent with his grandsons at their athletic events and practices and just chatting about sports was priceless to him and they were his greatest joy.

He is also survived by his precious cousin Sara Benavides (Jose), who he regarded as a sister. Sisters-in-law, Irene Jimenez, Rosa Estrada, and Irma Nava of Odessa, Texas; Juana Andrade (Charlie) and Vicky Pereida (Esteban) of Bakersfield, California; and countless nieces and nephews. Others mourning his loss are Veronica Arias (Alfred), Judy Gilles (Doug), Adriana Baker, Cynthia Sanchez (Ruben), Deanna Rivera Herrera (Miguel), Stephanie Rivera (Juan) and their families. He also leaves his godchildren, Sandra Caballero, Hervey Salinas, Valentin Cortez and Ricardo Valverde to remember him.

Also left to remember him are cousins Ruben Rodriguez, Lorenza Lemus, Virginia Martinez, Bertha Jewell, Raquel Monje, Alonso Lemus, Salvador Lemus and Frank Lemus.

A hard worker all his life, he made many friends during his years working at Longhorn Manufacturing, TMC and Novabus. Piro had a passion for sports, spending his earlier years playing softball before taking up racquetball, a game he truly loved. His time playing racquetball was spent in the company of his closest friends and their children, who all remember him fondly. Whether on the court or in the company of his cherished family and friends, he brought energy, kindness, and a competitive spirit that will be dearly missed. He loved all sports, but baseball was his favorite and he was a lifelong NY Yankees fan.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and strength. His family and friends will forever treasure the memories shared and the lessons he imparted through his actions and unwavering support. His clever wit and sense of humor will also be fondly remembered.

In his final days, he liked to say he was gathering the flowers from all the seeds he planted throughout his life and was deeply touched by the amount of love and support he was given by family and friends during his illness. The family would like to thank all those who have taken the time to share their wonderful stories with us.

Gathering will be held on Monday, April 7 from 5pm-7pm at Ballard Funeral Home. The rosary and funeral mass will be on Tuesday, April 8 beginning at 9:30am at St. John’s Catholic Church with burial immediately following at South Park Cemetery. A reception will be held following the burial at 12pm at the American Legion, 1620 N. Montana Ave.

Pallbearers will be Aaron Bachicha, Sean Blanco, Pete Estrada, Raul Estrada, Hector Salinas, Hervey Salinas, Gilbert Tarin, and Hector Tarin.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jay Gluck, Leroy Weimer, Benny Aranda, Dave Wolf, Agustin Tarin, Raul Tarin, Pete Tarin, Gerald Gallegos, Telo Cortez, Carlos de la Cerda, Dude Burrola, Robert Burrola, Chris Burrola, and Roberto Varela.

Special thanks to Frank and Michelle Patterson, Cindi Lucero, Clarissa Gonzalez, Janet Romero, Dr. Hamid Feroz, the staff of Kymera, and Hospice.

His obituary was lovingly written by his family.