Peter Herant Del Rio Obituary

In Loving Memory
Peter Anthony Herant Del Rio was a man of deep faith, sharp intellect, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. His life was defined by service-to his country, his career, his church, the less fortunate, and to countless students whose futures he helped shape. We are heartbroken by his passing, but profoundly grateful for the legacy he leaves behind.
Peter Anthony Herant Del Rio passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, at the age of 86, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. A longtime resident of La Quinta, CA, Peter was a devoted husband, loving father, proud Coast Guard veteran, and deeply admired community leader.
Born in New York City on May 8, 1939, Peter served honorably in the United States Coast Guard from 1958 to 1962, with assignments that took him around the world - from Guam to Hong Kong, Palau, and Japan. After his service, he began a 30-year career with IBM, starting in 1962 as a customer engineer fixing typewriters. Through hard work, natural leadership, and his signature optimism, he rose steadily through the ranks to become Director of the Western Region within IBM's National Service Division. He helped guide IBM's transition into the services business-what would later become IBM Global Services.
His IBM career took him and his family across the country-from New York to Austin, Pleasant Hill, Northridge, Alamo, and eventually to Ramsey, NJ. Along the way, he pursued higher education through programs at Pepperdine, Pace, Syracuse, and Columbia University's Executive Education program at Arden House. After retiring from IBM in 1992, Peter continued his work in business transformation consulting with the Insight Group.
In 1997, Peter and his beloved wife Teresa moved to La Quinta, CA, where Peter brought his deep faith, generosity, and leadership to Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church. He served on various church committees and was actively involved in its ministries and growth. He also volunteered in a prominent leadership role with the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, where he contributed to their capital campaign and efforts to serve those in need throughout the region.
Peter's passion for service extended to education and community development. He was instrumental in the growth and transformation of OneFuture Coachella Valley, where he served as founding Chair of the Board. OneFuture honored him with "80 Reasons We Love Pete," a heartfelt tribute capturing the essence of a man who was wise, warm, humorous, mission-driven, and always inspiring. You can view the "80 Reasons" tribute in the Mementos section.
Peter was a lifelong athlete who loved swimming-he was captain of his high school swim team-and remained active throughout his life. He enjoyed tennis, golf, water and snow skiing, boating, sailing, hiking, singing, and playing the piano (often without sheet music). He also loved a good game of pool or ping pong, building things like decks, learning a new skill, and stargazing in the desert. But most of all, he loved people. He was known for his good stories, his joyful snacking habits (famous for his snack drawer at IBM), and the boundless love he shared with his wife Teresa, who preceded him in death on December 31, 2019. The two were inseparable – a love story for the ages.
Peter is survived by his sons Joseph Kenneth Del Rio of Long Beach, CA; Peter Terence Del Rio (and daughter-in-law, Christine) of New York City; and by his brother David Del Rio of Costa Mesa, CA.
A memorial service honoring Peter's life will be held at Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church. Details will be shared once arrangements have been finalized. The family welcomes all who knew and loved Peter to join in celebrating his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to OneFuture Coachella Valley https://www.onefuturecv.org/donate/ so they may continue the work Peter cared so deeply about-supporting students in their journey toward college, career, and a successful future.