Ralph Pacheco, longest-serving Whittier Union school district trustee, dies at 68

The Whittier Union High School District community is mourning the loss of Ralph Pacheco, its longest-serving member of the Board of Trustees.

Pacheco died on Monday, Oct. 9. He was 68.

The longstanding board member had served schools in the area for 32 years and had recently retired in July.

“Dr. Pacheco was a prominent figure on the Board and his 32 years of unwavering service serve as an inspiration not only to us at the District, but to school boards across the Whittier area,” President Jaime Lopez said in a statement. “His dedication to our students has left a lasting impact and we will continue to follow in his steps, ensuring that every decision we make is in the best interest of our students.”

Pacheco was an active member of the community and served on many distinguished civic, college, and community service agency boards and commissions.

He was also an ordained minister and co-founder of the Leadership Capacity Foundation, Inc. – a nonprofit, faith-based organization supporting community development and education projects in California.

“Dr. Pacheco’s commitment to education extended to his family, with his wife Deborah also serving as an elected member of the South Whittier School District Board of Education,” Board Vice President Gray Mendez said in a statement.

“Together, they raised a family deeply rooted in educational values, with all of their children attending Whittier Union,” Mendez added. “It is an awful loss for all of us who knew him – not just as a colleague, but as a friend. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.”

Ralph Pacheco was born on July 7, 1955, to Seferino and Esperanza Pacheco. The Pacheco family moved into their first home in Whittier in 1945 and moved to Norwalk in 1951, where he was raised.

Pacheco attended public schools in the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District and graduated with honors in 1973. He attended Cerritos College and San Diego State University.

He joined the Whittier Union Board in 1991 and during his tenure collaborated with five superintendents, and advocated in for students. Pacheco played a key role in advocating for and passing three community bond measures to benefit the district, according to a press release announcing his passing.

In addition to his service on the Board of Trustees, Pacheco served multiple terms as a governing board member of the Tri-Cities Regional Occupational Program and as a formerly elected trustee of the Río Hondo Community College District. He also taught as an adjunct professor of Biblical Studies at Regency Bible College.

In a message from the board, they shared how Pacheco’s dedication to the district and students was inspirational, how his efforts to improve the schools in the district left an “indelible mark,” and how his legacy would forever continue their mission – To Achieve and Maintain Excellence.

“Dr. Pacheco’s legacy of service to the community is eternal,” Board Clerk Josefina Canchola said in a statement. “He will be remembered for his commitment to the students, staff and teachers of the Whittier Union High School District and for always serving from a place of deep conviction for quality education. I commit to continuing this work in his memory with honor and respect. Que en paz descanse.”

Whittier Union will share information about services once scheduled, in accordance with the family’s wishes.