Pedro "Pete" Juan Figueroa

Pedro Juan Figueroa, affectionately known as Pete, was born on October 4, 1946, in Maunabo, Puerto Rico to Miguelina and Pedro Figueroa. He was the only boy among 3 sisters: Emma, Zullie, and Carmen. When he was six years old, his family moved to Bushwick, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York City.  There, he met his childhood best friends who remained in close contact throughout his life. As a young man, Pete joined and proudly served in the United States Navy and was sent to Vietnam from 1965 until 1969. Upon returning home, he had a son, Ozias. 

He attended Brooklyn College where he met Sintia, and the rest is history. They married and had 2 girls, Elizabeth and Cristina (las nenas), and they lived with Sintia’s family, where he became politically-opposed best friends with his father-in-law, Felix, and a second son to his mother-in-law, Consuelo. Pete always had a big heart and wanted to see people do good and be well; therefore, he became an ACS social worker, and then a New York State Parole Officer for 17 years. In Parole, he worked with a wonderful group of people who shared his passions of helping others and enjoying the best things in life: food, laughter and good company. 

Upon retiring, his family moved to New Jersey, where they continue to reside. Pete, always the champion of helping others, decided to become a DYFS social worker for several years, before officially retiring for good. At DYFS, he worked with yet another group of people who knew how to have a great time. Throughout his career, he always had passion for what he did and became family to many of his colleagues. 

Pete loved many things. He enjoyed being around people and helping others. You couldn’t tell him you had an ache; he would go online to research what was ailing you and give you a printout of 50 pages of medical articles and recommendations.  He was a big foodie, and especially loved having breakfast on Saturdays at local diners. He always had music playing, whether it was salsa, classical, reggaeton, or whatever he could find on YouTube. Pete kept up with current events and was an avid reader of the New York Times. He could not let a few hours pass without listening to or reading some type of news source. He also loved a good party and would dance with complete abandon. Upon hearing any song played at a party, he would immediately get up and go on the dance floor, his energy pulling everyone else to join in. However, Pete’s most favorite activity was spending time with his family: traveling around the world with his wife Sintia, relishing the holiday season, enjoying BBQs with the Fernandez family, and relaxing with his daughters Elizabeth and Cristina on Luquillo Beach in Puerto Rico.

On February 1, 2024, Pete Figueroa was called to Heaven to join his parents and his in-laws whom he loved so dearly. His loss is completely unexpected, and his family is profoundly saddened. He will be incredibly missed by all those who love him. His good heart, bountiful kindness, and jovial spirit will forever be a part of our lives. To quote his niece, Janessa, “If there was ever someone to be a saint, it was Pete.” 

In honor of Pete’s memory, the family is holding a celebration of life on Sunday, February 4, 2024 between 12pm and 4pm at Galante Funeral Home, located at 2800 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083. We invite anyone who knew and loved Pete to attend and remember his life. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a contribution be made to the American Heart Association, a charity near and dear to Pete.

A live zoom stream will be available to view starting at 12PM February 4.

Meeting ID: 997 533 3817   Password: 2800