Peter Jones San Nicolas
October 2, 1950 — April 13, 2015
Peter Jones San Nicolas
Pedro Jones San Nicolas was born in the town of Piti on the island of Guam on October 2, 1950. Known as Pete, he was the oldest of seven children born to Juan and Dolores San Nicolas. He joined the United States Army two month before his eighteenth birthday in 1968 where he became a United States Army Airborne Ranger during the Vietnam War. He was severely injured on patrol in Vietnam on January 2, 1970 when he stepped on a land mine that took his legs, left eye and full use of his left arm. He recuperated at The Presidio Hospital in San Francisco until 1972 where he was awarded the Purple Heart for serving his country. He moved his entire family to San Diego, California shortly after where he met and married Valeri Lynn Reeder on February 8, 1975 and they had two children. She predeceased him in 1997. Pete married his wife Joan Reese San Nicolas in 1996 and moved to the wide open spaces of Benton, Arkansas in 1998. There they enjoyed a quiet life with their many adorable animals, including his pet ferret, BooBoo. Joan also bravely walked through Pete's final battles with severe medical issues and Cancer these past two decade with him, supporting and loving him as he passed on April 13, 2015 at the VA Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas.
He is survived by his wife Joan San Nicolas and his two children; Anessa Peterson, her husband, Brian, and their children Joshua, Carter, Natalie and Audrey; and Peter San Nicolas, his wife, Shayna, and their children, Mikaela, Blake and Farrah. He also is survived by his siblings, Bino, Rose, Lillian, Lena, and Kenny.
Pete was a member of the VFW, active in scouting and patriotic recognitions, and volunteered at the local schools while his children were attending. He earned his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Graphic Design in 1989 and worked for SAIC for several years in their Graphics Department. Pete was a member of the Order of Freemasons of the Santa Maria Lodge 580 in Ramona, Ca.
Pete never met a stranger and would often make trips to the local Walmart where he would stay for hours chatting with service men and women he'd meet in the store. As a younger man, he would roll his wheelchair through the town of Ramona for several miles a day, even up the steep grade of 6th Street. He was an avid movie watcher - a huge fan of Bruce Lee and all action movies. He loved and enjoyed life to the fullest despite his physical setbacks or medical issues. He'd perk up for visitors and guests even if he was in pain in his last days. His family and friends have called him the most patriotic man they've ever known as he loved and respected the United States of America. Pete San Nicolas was a light, inspiring and encouraging everyone who crossed his path. He was and always will be a Hero to those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Services will be held at the Smith - Benton Funeral Home at 322 N. Market, Benton, Arkansas on April 18, 2015. 10:00 am viewing and 11:00 am service. Reception immediately following.
A West Coast memorial service will be held early May 2015.
322 N. Market St.
Benton, AR, 72015
322 N. Market St.
Benton, AR, 72015
322 N. Market St.
Benton, AR, 72015
He is survived by his wife Joan San Nicolas and his two children; Anessa Peterson, her husband, Brian, and their children Joshua, Carter, Natalie and Audrey; and Peter San Nicolas, his wife, Shayna, and their children, Mikaela, Blake and Farrah. He also is survived by his siblings, Bino, Rose, Lillian, Lena, and Kenny.
Pete was a member of the VFW, active in scouting and patriotic recognitions, and volunteered at the local schools while his children were attending. He earned his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Graphic Design in 1989 and worked for SAIC for several years in their Graphics Department. Pete was a member of the Order of Freemasons of the Santa Maria Lodge 580 in Ramona, Ca.
Pete never met a stranger and would often make trips to the local Walmart where he would stay for hours chatting with service men and women he'd meet in the store. As a younger man, he would roll his wheelchair through the town of Ramona for several miles a day, even up the steep grade of 6th Street. He was an avid movie watcher - a huge fan of Bruce Lee and all action movies. He loved and enjoyed life to the fullest despite his physical setbacks or medical issues. He'd perk up for visitors and guests even if he was in pain in his last days. His family and friends have called him the most patriotic man they've ever known as he loved and respected the United States of America. Pete San Nicolas was a light, inspiring and encouraging everyone who crossed his path. He was and always will be a Hero to those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Services will be held at the Smith - Benton Funeral Home at 322 N. Market, Benton, Arkansas on April 18, 2015. 10:00 am viewing and 11:00 am service. Reception immediately following.
A West Coast memorial service will be held early May 2015.
Visitation
APR 18. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)
Smith - Benton Funeral Home322 N. Market St.
Benton, AR, 72015
Funeral Service
APR 18. 11:00 AM (CDT)
Smith - Benton Funeral Home322 N. Market St.
Benton, AR, 72015
Reception
APR 18. 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM (CDT)
Smith - Benton Funeral Home322 N. Market St.
Benton, AR, 72015
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