[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 209 (Tuesday, December 19, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1253]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





              HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF PETE ALFARO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 19, 2023

  Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to 
honor the life of my friend and longtime community leader, Pedro 
Cuellar ``Pete'' Alfaro of Baytown, Texas, who passed away on December 
11, 2023. Pete devoted his life to public service, honorably serving as 
mayor of Baytown, as a city council member, on the Lee College Board of 
Regents, and on numerous other community and non-profit boards. He was 
a leader, mentor, friend, and role model to countless in the region, 
and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire new 
generations of public servants for years to come.
  Pete was born August 10, 1940, to Felipe and Victoriana Alfaro. After 
serving in the United States Army as a basic electronics instructor at 
Fort Bliss for three years, Pete attended the University of Texas at 
Austin. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical 
Engineering in 1969 and was a lifetime member of the Texas Exes alum 
association. That same year, he began his career as an electrical 
engineer at Humble Oil and Refining, now ExxonMobil, where he would 
remain employed for the next 31 years.
  After being elected to the city council in 1989 where he served two 
terms, Pete was voted in as the first Hispanic mayor of Baytown, a 
position he held for 11 years. His pivotal role in infrastructure 
development, particularly the completion of the Fred Hartman Bridge in 
partnership with then-Governor George W. Bush, epitomized his 
dedication to building a stronger Baytown.
  However, his reach was not confined to the city hall, it extended to 
significant roles on boards such as the Lee College Board of Regents, 
the Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital Board of Trustees, and the 
Patient and Family Advisory Council. After facing the devastating loss 
of his daughter, Debi, Pete channeled his grief into a steadfast 
commitment to elevating healthcare standards. Chairing the Quality and 
Patient Safety Steering Committee at Houston Methodist Baytown for two 
decades, he worked tirelessly to ensure the surrounding community 
received and had access to top-notch healthcare. In recognition of his 
efforts, the Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital dedicated its new 
state-of-the-art education and training facility in honor of Pete and 
his wife, Lupe, in May of this year.
  Throughout the years, Pete left a significant impact in the public 
and private sector. In fact, he was named the 2004 Baytown Sun 
newspaper's ``Citizen of the Year'' and the 2010 ExxonMobil's ``Refiner 
of the Year'' for his community service.
  Pete was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Debi Alfaro 
Yarborough. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Guadalupe 
``Lupe'' Alfaro; daughters, Priscilla Alfaro and Sandra Rodriguez; son, 
Paul Alfaro; and grandchildren, Christopher, Marissa, Austin, Alexis, 
Mikaela, Emily, Nicholas, and Kelsey.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to honor the memory and legacy of Pete 
Alfaro. My heartfelt prayers are with his wife and loved ones during 
this challenging time. May Pete rest in peace knowing his tenacious 
efforts for the betterment of Baytown, Lee College, and the surrounding 
community will forever be remembered.

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