The family is saddened to announce the passing of Pedro Menchaca, age 67, of Santa Barbara on May 12, 2025.

He was surrounded by family and loved ones when he was called home to be with the Lord after a long but well-fought battle with cancer.

Pedro was born on Aug. 25, 1957 in Santa Barbara, and was raised there. He grew up with a love for his community.

He graduated from Santa Barbara High School (SBHS) in 1976, where he played tuba in the marching band.

He later became an intervention specialist at SBHS, positively influencing the lives of many students over the past 30 years.

One of his crowning achievements as an intervention specialist was being the founder and primary advisor to The Don Riders. This group was a lowrider bike club that has positively affected the lives of many disadvantaged students at Santa Barbara High School.

Pedro also owned and operated Menchaca’s Concrete Pumping for more than 13 years, highlighting his hard work ethic. His contributions to the community in Santa Barbara are reflected in both its people and architecture.

As a dedicated servant of his community, Pedro took pride in supporting the celebrations of the Old Spanish Days Fiesta and one day hoped to become “El Presidente.” His beloved corn/elote booth will be a cherished memory for many.

Pedro shared his love for music by playing tuba in the Santa Barbara City College Concert Band, Primetime Band, and Tuba Christmas, and by mentoring the Youth Mariachi program.

Pedro was the epitome of a Christian man. He had a deep and unconditional devotion to his faith, his wife, his children, and his grandchild.

Later in life, a joy of Pedro’s was walking through the avocado trees with his father-in-law Edward “Tata” Arellano. It was here that the conversations were deep and meaningful, and the laughs were many.

He loved his life on the “ponderosa” and the time spent with his in-laws. He compassionately and wholeheartedly dedicated himself to their care and well-being, sharing love, laughter, boxing matches, barbecues, prayer, and so much more. He was always grateful for this season in his life.

Pedro found enjoyment in simple pleasures, such as spending time with his family, watching USC and Raiders football, coaching his Don Riders, Sundays at church, cruising with the nightlife car club on Cabrillo, and of course hanging with his beloved canine companion, Joyful.

Pedro is survived by his loving wife Rebecca; their three children Phillip (Mariana) Menchaca, Ariana (Ryan) Johnson, Luke (Kristin) Menchaca; and his grandson Mateo Pedro Johnson, who also carries his namesake.

He is also survived by his siblings Marco, Gerado (Ruby), Lena (Jose), Cookie (Louis), Victoria, Felicia (Tony), Victor (Lori); along with a multitude of nieces and nephews. He loved them all dearly.

Pedro is reunited in heaven with his grandmother Feliz; mother Etelvina; sister Maria; in-laws Edward and Carmen; as well as his two precious grandchildren Nehemiah and Adelina.

In our grief, we find comfort in the hope of Christ’s resurrection and the assurance that we will one day be reunited in God’s eternal kingdom.

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.” Romans 5:1-2 NLT

We have a debt of gratitude for the many physicians who cared for Pedro over the years, with the guidance of our heavenly father, including Dr. Gupta, Dr. Koonce, Dr. Davis, and Dr. Rashti.

Thank you to the infusion nurses who gave him great care and comfort during his treatment, particularly Tina, Meagen, Jay, Katie, Socorro, Natalie, Nona, and every single person that we met at Ridley-Tree.

We would also like to recognize Pedro’s “navigator” Dawn, who was instrumental in his care. Last but not least, we would like to recognize Pedro’s niece Renee, who used her nursing training to comfort Pedro in his last moments before transitioning to heaven.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10 a.m. June 7 at the Santa Barbara High School auditorium with a reception to follow.

Parking is limited, so please use the school’s Canon Perdido Street entrance and park in the “Junior” lot on your right. If full, please use the surrounding street parking.