Pete Michael Frigillana

Pete Michael Frigillana, 77, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, in North Las Vegas, Nevada after fighting a courageous battle with heart complications. Though his physical presence is no longer with us, his legacy of love, service, and adventure will forever live in our hearts.

Born on March 24, 1947, in Aringay, La Union, Philippines, Pete was the eldest child of Mariano and Juana (Mapanao) Frigillana. He grew up in a hardworking farming family, where he learned the values of perseverance and dedication. Pete graduated high school from Notre Dame Institute and moved to Manila, working by day at his uncle’s business while studying engineering at Mapua Institute of Technology by night. Fate intervened when a U.S. Navy recruitment ad caught his eye. With his father’s legacy as a WWII veteran in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Far East inspiring him, Pete took a leap of faith and enlisted at the age of 19, embarking on a remarkable journey of service to see the world, and more importantly, provide support to his aging parents and younger siblings.

During his early years in the Navy, Pete reconnected with Lorie, a childhood acquaintance from the same province. They reunited in London and married in 1972. Together, they built a beautiful life, welcoming their son Peter and daughter Loreene as they moved between numerous naval bases and finally settling in Illinois. After two decades of service, Pete retired as an Electrician’s Mate Chief Petty Officer in 1986.

Then Pete pursued higher education, earning a degree from Southern Illinois University. He became a technical instructor at San Diego Community College until his retirement in 2005. In 2006, he and Lorie made Las Vegas their final home, where they embraced the joys of retired life – reconnecting with old friends, making new ones and traveling the world together. Pete found joy in traveling to new places and meticulously documented each adventure with photos.

Beyond his travels, Pete loved the simple pleasures —solving crossword puzzles, playing sudoku, telling cheesy jokes and tuning in to Wheel of Fortune. He was a fierce competitor at card games, board games, and mahjong with family and friends. His passion for fishing knew no bounds, whether it was at sunrise or beneath the stars. And, in true Las Vegas spirit, he enjoyed testing his luck at the slot machines, often returning home victorious.

Above all, Pete’s greatest love was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lorie; his son Peter and daughter-in-law Jenny of Flower Mound, TX; his daughter Loreene and son-in-law Mike of Denver, CO; and his beloved grandchildren Sydney, Brody, Quincy, and Cassidy, who brought him endless joy. He is also survived by his sisters Virginia Abasolo of Waukegan, IL; Aida Flores and brother-in-law Domingo; Judy Frigillana; Paz Rulloda and brother-in-law Oscar of Aringay, La Union, Philippines; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Pete was preceded in death by his parents, sibling Amadeo, and brother-in-law Pablito Abasolo.

Pete will forever be remembered for his selflessness, generosity, warm smile, and unwavering love for his family. His kindness and adventurous spirit touched the lives of all who knew him, and his memory will continue to inspire us.

Funeral mass services will be held on Monday, April 7 at 9:00 AM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 2300 Sunridge Heights Parkway, Henderson, NV. The interment will be held at 11:20 AM at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV. A reception will immediately follow in Henderson, NV.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to either Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or American Heart Association.

We invite family and friends to leave condolences or memories at www.starmortuary.com.