Pete was born in Plattville, Colorado on Jaunary 18, 1941.  His family arrived here in Santa Maria in 1944.  He was the only son born to Daniel and Faustina Lucero.  Pete was preceded in death by his parents, sister Donna Lee Salazar and brother-in-law, Oscar L. Ferrari.  He is survived by his good friend, Patricia Reyes, brother-in-law, Frank Salazar.  His sisters, Mary Elizabeth (Jacob) Pacheco, Angelica Lucero, Addie Ferrari and Fran (Joe) Ferrari, numerous nephews and a niece, great-nieces and great nephews.

Growing up in Santa Maria, Pete participated in all area sports.  He was on the first Little League Baseball team that went to the State finals.  His love for sports continued through his high school playing days where he lettered in all 3 sports, football, baseball, and basketball.  He broke the schools J.V. Basketball record in his Sophomore year.  Played Varsity football as a Quarterback,  being picked to the All C.I.F. his senior year in the quarterback position.  Pete attended local schools from Kindergarten to graduating from Santa Maria High School with the Class of 1959.  He attended Hancock College and Cal Poly before being drafted into the Army.

He returned home to finish his education and received his teaching credential and taught for 30 years in the Lucia Mar School District.  Pete's passion for teaching earned him a nomination from his students to be included in "Who's Who in Teaching."  Numerous testimonies have been written of his teaching ability from students and parents.

In his retirement he was a member of the Santa Maria Valley Historical Society, Board of Directors of the Santa Maria Historical Society and a docent with the Santa Maria Historical Museum teaching and taking classes through the museum.

Published in the Santa Maria Times on April 15, 2011