Enrique L. Pena

Enrique L. Pena, Sr. of Redlands, California passed into the arms of his heavenly father on Saturday, February 29, 2020.

Enrique was born to Juan Pena Marroquin and Manuela Lopez Garcia on December 7, 1936, in Weslaco, Texas. He went to Weslaco High School in Texas and continued his education in California at Chaffey College where he received his degree in Culinary Arts. He then went on to receive his teaching credential through Cal State San Bernardino and taught at the California Youth Authority for many years until he retired in 1999.

He leaves as his legacy: his wife of 64 years, Noemi Pena and three children and their spouses: Enrique Pena Jr. and Mary Pena, Homero Pena and Jeanette Pena, and Claricia Valentino. Enrique had eight grandchildren along with their spouses and significant others. They are Nicolas Rodriguez and Jessica Pena, Enrique Pena III and his wife Christina, Adam Pena, Jillian and her husband Daniel Mudd, Jacquelyn Valentino and Matt McDaniel, Jenna Pena, Christien Pena and Sean Pena and his wife Taylor. He also had 8 great grand children including; Alex, Andrew, Allie and Rhylee Rodriguez, Isaiah Pena and Taylor Gilmore, Jireh Alvarado, and Griffin Mudd.

Enrique was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Beatriz and brother Israel. His brother Ernesto lives in Weslaco, Texas along with many nieces and nephews and their children. One of his nieces, Mary Lou Castillo lived with Enrique and Noemi in California for several years before marrying and returning to Texas . When Enrique and Noemi visited their home town of Weslaco it was a celebration for the family. All the nieces and nephews loved spending time with them and treated them like a king and queen. One of his nephews, Art Burciaga, held a special place in his heart as well. He was “the chaperone” on his dates with Noemi before they were married and now lives here in California with his wife Yolanda. I’m sure Art has many great stories to tell about his time as their chaperone.

Whether you knew him as Enrique, Henry, Dad Pena, Grandpa, Poppa Pena, Papa Honey, Hermano Pena or brother, he was known to be a godly, selfless and loving man with an infectious smile and tender heart. He loved his family and wanted us to always be there for each other. His close friend of 44 years, Hermano Jesse Ureno, can attest to Enrique’s faithfulness to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His church and church family was very close to his heart and he supported it as well as many of the ministries there. He was always willing to be a helping hand to those in need and was a friend and positive influence to many. His students in the classroom respected him and knew that he wanted the best for them and their futures. His memory will surely live on in the hearts of all who knew him for years to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Enrique’s church fellowship to support the ministries that he loved and supported. That address is Iglesia Bautista Be-Tel Casa de Dios, 300 E Pennsylvania, Redlands, CA 92374.

Note in memory of Enrique Pena, Sr.

Services will be held Tuesday, March 10 with visitation from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, and a service starting at 6:00 pm. On Wednesday, March 11 services will begin at 11:00 am, followed by a graveside service at 12:30 pm.