Abelardo "Lalo" Arcaute

ABELARDO "LALO" ARCAUTE

SAN JUAN-Abelardo "Lalo" Arcaute, 89, entered eternal rest Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Grand Terrace Rehabilitation Center in McAllen.

Lalo was a lifelong resident of San Juan and served as its Mayor for two terms. He was the city's first Hispanic mayor, and was especially proud of his role in expanding basic services throughout the city.

He continued his public service with sixteen years as Hidalgo County Commissioner of Precinct 2. In that capacity he was instrumental in the creation of the Urban County Program and in modernizing the outlook of Drainage District 1 to accommodate the county’s growth.

While serving in these elected positions he was a frequent speaker at meetings and public hearings, some as far away as Boston and Mexico City, on topics as varied as subdivision regulation and waste management.

Lalo was a veteran of the U.S. Army, for a time being stationed in Fort Polk, Louisiana. He attained the rank of Sergeant in the 49th Armored Division. He continued his military service in the mid-sixties in the National Guard.

For over thirty years he was a board member, then manager of San Juan Cemetery Association. He was an active participant in many community groups, often as a board member or trustee. Among these groups were the Pharr Jaycees, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Woodmen of the World, the Tri City Lions and the American Legion.

He was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church with stints as a member of the church council, Sunday School teacher, and member of the American Lutheran Church Development Program.

Lalo was extremely proud to have helped start the San Juan Youth Baseball Program, turning his sons into lifelong baseball fans. In those early years he coached, umpired, ran the concession stand, maintained the field and raised funds for the program. At every stage in his public service life he supported the youth program, so much so, that its officers named the second field at Mayfield Park after him.

Lalo is preceded in death by his wife, Conrada Arcaute; his parents, Andres and Josefina Arcaute; and two brothers, Andres and Armando.

He is survived by three sons, Andy (Rachel) Arcaute, George (Sylvia) Arcaute and Joel Arcaute; three grandchildren, Andy Arcaute, Alisa Arcaute and Andrea Arcaute; and two sisters, Edelmira Alvarado and MaryLou Ceron.

Visitation will begin at 5 p.m., with a 6 p.m. prayer service Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at San Juan Cemetery.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.