McAllen, TX - Peter Paul Pranis, Jr. was born on December 3, 1942 in New York, New York and passed away on December 28, 2017 in McAllen, Texas. His parents were Peter Paul and Bessie Pranis, Sr.

Peter received a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York and Master's Degrees in Business Economics and Finance from the University of Chicago. He was a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, Rho Chapter and Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Senior Status.

Pete was a Military Veteran serving in the US Army from 1966-1968 with an Honorable Discharge. He was a consultant for finance, marketing and economic development. His hobbies included

investing, economics, history, U.S. World-Middle East, politics, scuba diving, hunting, sailing, teaching nautical subsects-seamanship/advanced piloting.

Pete was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in McAllen. He served in many ministries: as Catechist for 11th grade (17 years); Usher, Extraordinary Minister and Lector and past member of the Pastoral Council. He was an active member of our parish since 1994. Pete assisted with all events, logistics and planning for festivals and other functions. His passion was our youth. He encouraged them to study and continue their education to the university. He shared many projects with them including providing free back packs for school and used encyclopedias for home use; assisted with the implementation of the Winning reading program for several summers, and the High School Financial Planning Program from National Endowment for Financial Education in partnership with the USDA.

Pete wanted to volunteer "to give back something to the Church. He believed that he could contribute to especially the upper grades by passing on knowledge of history, philosophy, geography and "real world" concerns."

Pete was a member of the McAllen Rotary Club serving as past President, Board member and responsible for programs and special projects.

Peter was also involved with the United States Power Squadron, an organization dedicated to Education/Civil Service and Fellowship, and America's oldest nonprofit recreational boating organization. He served as past Commander LT/Commander SAG, Education Officer; responsible for administration duties, arrange public boating course/classes and teaching. He was the driving force for public education, organizing and teaching functions. He received Life membership in USPS.

Lower Rio Grande Valley Sail and Power Squadron: He received the LRGV S & P Squadron Awards including the Art R. Mittelstaedt Award and the George Sylvester Award.

He was also a volunteer with the Texas Parks & Wildlife as a Boating Education Instructor; vessel safety examiner, teaching State Boating course (USPS course), member of Laguna Madre Yacht Club and National Rifle Association.

Although Pete was an only child, he was part of the family of each of the organizations he was involved with. He will be greatly missed by all of his "family" friends. We truly have lost a saint of a man, a man of God, who desired to make this world a little better in faith, truth and justice.

A Memorial service with rosary will be held on Friday, January 26, 2018 at 6:30pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in McAllen. There will be a Funeral Mass on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 10:00am also at Sacred Heart Church in McAllen followed by a pot luck in the parish hall. All are welcome!

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Monitor on Jan. 25, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Peter Pranis

5 Entries

Jessica Windsor

January 27, 2019

I cannot believe that Pete died. Pete Pranis Jr. was a close friend of the Wootten/Windsor/Unterman family in Maryland and Virginia. We all called him Uncle Pete.
When I was in high school, he always made sure I was doing well in school. Made sure I was studying and doing what I could.
I cannot believe I am just now finding this out. He actually died the same exact date as my mother died. This is insane. We miss you Uncle Pete.

Gerard Mittelstaedt

January 25, 2018

I will miss the opportunity to have spirited conversation with Pete Pranis. He was a deep thinker with principles.

January 25, 2018

We wish to give our condolences to all of Pete's friend and relatives. He was a fine man and will leave a big hole in many organizations that he was a very important part of. Lillian and David

January 25, 2018

Intelligent and a man of great catholic christian faith. Honor to meet him. May he Rest In Peace. God bless. Jay Vargas

Bruce Ramirez

January 25, 2018

Pete was like my 2nd dad to me every since I came to Sacred Heart church.My first time I came to this church I went to a Saturday Mass at 5pm and he was at the door greeting me and I sat down when mass was over I went up to him a said what can help you in he said I'm all good .so next week come he came to me and hey man can you help me with ushering yea sure and from there him and that's how we came to know each other.HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

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