Pablo M. Pena, Jr.

Pablo M Peña, Jr.

     Our beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, Pablo M. Peña, Jr went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at the age of 97. Our beloved Pablo passed peacefully at home per his wishes. Pablo was born in McAllen, Texas to Pablo M. Peña, Sr. and Margarita L. Peña on September 24, 1926. At the age of 18, he left to the Army to serve in WWII as a tank destroyer.  During the war he would send his military check back home to help provide for his parents and siblings.  After the war he returned home to work in different jobs and continued to provide for his family. He also enrolled at Pan American Junior College to study carpentry and used those skills to renovate his family’s home. Later, he was employed by Max Lutz Produce Company as a foreman where he met his future wife, Angelica. He said that the moment that he met her, he knew that he had found the love of his life. They married in 1961 and had two children. They remained married for 61 years. In order to provide a better life for his family, he worked for the Texas Highway Department for almost thirty years.  Pablo was a very hard-working man all of his life. He was the rock and sunshine of his family, and warmed everyone’s heart with his smile.

     His love and faith for God was strong and unbreakable. He was a founding parishioner at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in McAllen. He served in many capacities including the following; served in church Jamaica’s for decades, serving as a Eucharistic minister, teaching bible class, and served as a marriage sponsor couple. Through all these acts of service he earned the respect of the church community.

     Pablo showed his greatness by his actions of being a true loving unselfish family man who never hesitated to be there for his family physically, spiritually, and financially. He was very active in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren’s daily lives. There was never a dull moment with his sense of humor that brought laughter to those around him. Pablos’s talents included having a green thumb, being a fantastic cook which included a secret brisket recipe. He enjoyed hunting but mostly fishing with his son-in-law and grandsons. His leisure time was filled with walks, watching high action and western movies. Pablo was a man who lived by great values and morals.

     Pablo is preceded in death by the following family members; his parents, his wife Angelica, his brother Luis, and his sister and brother-in-law, Amelia and Joel Menchaca and by several beloved nieces. He is survived by his children, Juan Pablo Peña and Aurora Peña-Ochoa (Rene), two sisters: Maria Potter, Azalea Ledbetter (Jearld), granddaughters: Stephanie Peña, Lauren Peña, Audrey Gutierrez (Rufino), two grandsons: Mark Ochoa and Andrew Ochoa; great grandchildren: Ethan, Brandon, Isaiah Peña, Heather Peña, Olivia Muniz, Alena and Julian Gutierrez; and many nephews and nieces.

     The viewing will take place at Rivera Funeral Home in McAllen on Sunday, May 19, 2024 beginning at 3pm with the Holy Rosary taking place at 7pm. The funeral Mass will take place at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in McAllen on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 10am. Followed by the burial service at Valley Memorial Gardens. This will include military funeral honors. The family would like to thank Amara Hospice and ACE Healthcare providers for their dedication and care of our loved one.

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