Peter Perez Matanane

Peter Perez Matanane, 77, of Tacoma, Washington, peacefully passed away on February 20, 2026, surrounded by his family after a difficult battle with leukemia. Pete “Pulley” was born on August 21, 1948, to Jose Aguon Matanane and Francisca Arriola Perez Matanane in the city of Tamuning, Guam.

After Pete graduated from JFK High School in 1967, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Pete deployed to Vietnam for a total of 18 months. He was involved in combat and patrolling operations for 13 months before being injured by an enemy-rigged booby trap during the Tet Offensive. He then spent the next 6 months recovering between Guam and Japan. Upon recovering from his injuries, Pete decided to return to combat to finish the remainder of his contract.

He completed four years in the Marine Corps and was awarded the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a Gold “V” Device, which is awarded for valor in combat situations and the Vietnam Service Medal. After serving his country faithfully, Peter joined the United States Postal Service, where he worked for 33 years before retiring.

In 1970, Peter met Barbara “Bobbi” Taitano Aguon in her hometown of San Diego, California. He fell in love with her, and they married in September 1972. Two years later, she gave birth to their son Jeffery Alan Matanane, and in 1976, to their daughter Francine Aguon Matanane.

Their children blessed them with five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Jeff and Rosina welcomed identical twin boys, Jakob and Joshua, in 2003; and Francine and Poe adopted their daughter Tasia and son Anthony, ages 4 and 3, in 2004. Three years later, they welcomed their son Xavier, who was born in 2006. Taisa gave birth to their first great-granddaughter, Nikita, in 2018, and great-grandson Nakoa in 2025.

While retired, Pulley enjoyed pursuing his passions for cooking, fishing, hunting, camping, and spending time with his family. His favorite thing to do was cook his signature dishes, which included Red Rice, Kadon Pika, Chicken Kelaguen, Pot Roast, Fritada, and Roasted Pig. He will be remembered most for his delicious Kadon Pika. He loved taking his wife and grandkids fishing and camping, as well as road trips to California to visit his son Jeff. Pete and his wife, Bobbi, also enjoyed hunting deer together for many years. And going on cruise ships or Aruba was an exciting pastime.

Peter was preceded in death by his father Jose, mother Francisca, sister Judith, brother Reymond, and daughter Francine. He is survived by his wife Barbara, son Jeff and daughter-in-law Rosie, with their twins Jakob and Joshua; son-in-law Poe and his three children, Tasia, Anthony, and Xavier; and great-grandchildren Nikita and Nakoa.

Services will be held at Edwards Memorial on March 3rd. Doors will open at 1100, and the viewing will go until 1600. The Funeral will be on March 4th. In Lieu of flowers please consider donating prayer candles so that we may be able to keep his light burning throughout the year.