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Peter James Trudell, 80, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, entered into eternal rest at home on December 23rd. Born on September 25th, 1945, in Buffalo, New York, Pete was the son of Richard Trudell and Virginia Perry Trudell. Throughout his life, Pete pursued adventure, hard work, community service, and family strength. From 1965 – 1971, he served in the U.S. Army as a Captain in the Green Berets during the Vietnam War. Where he earned a Purple Heart for injuries he received during a grenade barrage. After returning home, he completed his Bachelor’s degree in History at Trinity University, San Antonio, TX. He then worked tirelessly, for 30+ years as a Public Servant with the State of Texas Unemployment Commission, assisting both civilians and Veterans in finding help and new careers. While also dedicating time to community service in being not only a certified soccer referee for the San Antonio Catholic Archdiocese but also being a soccer and baseball coach for a local catholic school. After retirement, he continued his service to the community and the military by fostering and helping train Military Service Dogs for active-duty deployment. Despite all that, Pete found his greatest joy in family. He treasured every moment spent with his wives, sons, daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. Whether it was either coaching, participating, or attending all their various sports, performances, activities, and high school and college graduations… or just spending time playing games, puzzles, or watching the Steelers football, Spurs basketball, or Missions baseball games, Pete brought a great sense of calm, warmth, and intelligence to every gathering. Preceded in death by his 1st wife, Betty Ann Trudell… Pete leaves behind a legacy of love and strength in the hearts of his family and extended family. He is survived by his current wife, Elizabeth Fortin Trudell, and his family and stepfamily members; Peter Jr., John, Missy, Sondra, Mike, Jennifer, Michelle, Allison, Ryan, Erin, Katie, Kyra, Ian, Elli, Sander, & Scarlett. Pete’s light, wit, and love will forever live on in the lives of those he touched. His memory will be a source of strength and inspiration for all those who were blessed to know him. A short, 20-minute, Military Honors funeral service for Pete will be held promptly at 2 PM on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, at the Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery, Committal Shelter #1, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209. Immediately after the service, a Celebration of Life for Pete will be held at; Northern Hills Country Village Club House : 12610 Uhr Lane : San Antonio, TX 78217. Due to limited parking, please park next door at Walmart. Contact Missy Trudell @ 210-884-5809, or Allison Trudell @ 210-683-9834 For an escort into complex. If you wish to honor Pete, in lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to: https://help.dav.org : https://www.pawsitivityservicedogs.com : https://safoodbank.org

Tributes

Peter James Trudell Sr.

September 25, 1945 - December 23, 2025