A lifelong resident of Oceanside, Peter Nares Magana devoted his life to serving his community. Born in 1928, his introduction to formal education came at the local Americanization School, a facility where young Hispanic children were sent to learn English from first through fourth grade. As an OHS Pirate, Pete lettered in both football and baseball. Upon his graduation from OHS in 1947, he entered the field of construction. Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton was one of the many projects Pete helped build in the North County. Drafted in 1951, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a member of the D Battery, 26th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, 24th Infantry Division. Following his military service, Pete joined the world of retail sales, a career that spanned 32 years. Throughout his life, he served on the boards of numerous advocacy groups, including the Latino Alliance of North County, the Eastside United Community ActioN (UCAN) and El Grupo Sin Nombre. In 1961, he founded the local chapter of the American GI Forum, a group comprised mainly of Latino veterans who raise scholarship funds for needy students. Eight years later, he served as Chairman of Fiesta Mexicana, a celebration held in conjunction with the 200th anniversary of the city of San Diego. Pete was twice named Oceanside Citizen of the Year, first in 1972 and again in 1983. For 15 years he held the post of Laurel Elementary School PTA President. His devoted service to the school earned him a lifetime PTA membership. He spent five years employed by OUSD, and put in an additional 10 years as a member of the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee, contributing to the success of bond measures Propositions G and H. Proud parents of six children, Pete and his wife Angie were married for 52 years. They became grandparents to 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Pete passed away on October 19, 2011.

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