Peter “Pistol Pete” Aragon The Tiny Giant

By Anthony Gonzales

When we think of the word giant we think of an enormous, ferocious being with superhuman strength. When I think of the word giant I think of Pete. With a single glance you can tell this definition clearly doesn’t describe Peter “pistol Pete “ Aragon.

On the outside Pete was just above 5 feet tall. He wasn’t flashy or arrogant, he was a simple man that could be overlooked in a sea of faces. What you could not see was that peter had lived a life full of adversity, a life that would meet trial and tribulation over and over.

Peter knew his strength alone wasn’t enough, so he grounded his faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Each trial Peter faced would polish his soul and sharpen his determination to never give up. You see Pete was on a mission to save the world and he didn’t even know it.

like many others I first met Pete through radio. Fifteen years ago, I would watch Pete’s on air shift as a young teenager at our family radio station. Looking back I should have paid more attention to Pete than the music he played. His attitude toward work was second to none and for Pete a day on the radio was a blessing like none other. The words he would speak exemplified his desire to bring happiness to others. Always making sure we knew it takes more effort to frown than smile.

As I grew older Pete became a beacon for me. Someone I could talk to, someone who would always listen. He’d give me rides when I didn’t have a vehicle and he’d buy me lunch when I was short on cash. He never complained and always had a positive word to leave me with “Later Gator. “

This year I turn 33 and I’m needing his words of wisdom more than ever. Good thing he left me with memories for reference.

Peter ”pistol Pete” Aragon was a Tiny Giant. His outward appearance was a complete contradiction to the Giant of a man he was on the inside. He had enormous faith, ferocious endurance and superhuman strength of will, which can only come from surrendering fully to God.

Peter passed from this world on Tuesday June 2, 2020. As much as I miss him, I am even more blessed to know where he is…Pete’s in Paradise with our Lord, getting the music ready for another show.

To my Friend, Mentor and Tiny Giant… Later Gator