RITCHEA-GONZALES FUNERAL HOME
Family Owned & Operated Since 1978

Aristeo 'Teo' Pizana
Aristeo “Teo” Pizana, 75, of Odem, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026. A lifelong resident of Odem, Teo was a one-of-a-kind man whose presence, laughter, and unmistakable personality will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Teo was an avid hunter, fisherman, and true outdoorsman who enjoyed all kinds of outdoor sports and adventures. He also loved to dance and listen to conjunto music. Many will remember him in his signature Stacey Adams shoes, derby hat, and, of course, his dark sunglasses. Those who knew Teo know that these were more than just things he wore—they were part of the character and charm that made him uniquely Teo.
Teo never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone and had a way of making people feel like they had known him forever. He was funny, mischievous, quick-witted, and always ready with a story, a joke, or a smile. His friendships meant the world to him, and he loved his family and friends deeply and wholeheartedly.
When he was young he'd be picked on alot and he never backed away. Always stayed standing.
Teo was preceded in death by his beloved wife and companion of 42 years, Marcelina Martinez; his father, Rafael Pizana; his mother, Maria Guadalupe Pizana; his brother, Rafael Pizana Jr.; his sister, Margarita Wilkinson; his brother, Vivian Pizana; and his beloved granddog, Bitzi Mae, who we know was waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his stepdaughter, Alicia Martinez; his brother, Irineo (Aurora) Pizana; his sister, Lupe (Jacinto) Aguirre; sister in law Lupe Pizana his girlfriend, Angelita Almaguer; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends, including Paula, Vivi, Patricia, Frances, Bettina, Patty, Josie, Ralph, and the Almaguer family.
Teo also leaves behind many dear friends who were like family to him, especially Gilbert Rosas, Joe DeLeon, Gilbert Garcia, Nicholas Pizana, and many others whose lives he touched throughout the years.
Teo lived life in his own unforgettable way. He loved deeply, laughed often, enjoyed the outdoors, music, dancing, and most of all, the people around him. His stories, his humor, his mischievous spirit, and that familiar sight of him in his derby hat and dark sunglasses will be dearly missed.
Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we are grateful for the many wonderful memories Teo gave us. His life was filled with love, friendship, laughter, and adventure. He will never be forgotten and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.
The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mahmood, Dr. Dadhwal, and all of the ICU nursing staff, especially Steven, for the compassion, care, and support they provided to Teo and our family during his final days. We are deeply grateful to all the staff at Bay Area Hospital for their kindness and dedication.
Rest peacefully, Teo.
May your next adventure be filled with good fishing, great hunting, beautiful music, and a dance floor waiting just for you.
Until we meet again, you will always be loved, always remembered, and never forgotten., Organize, Conquer
A visitation will be Friday, August 21, 2026 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a rosary being recited at 7 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Odem. Interment will follow at San Pedro Cemetery.
