Armando "Pop" Peña Jr.

It is with profound sadness that the family of Armando Peña,Jr. (Pop) announces his passing on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the age of 81.

Armando was born in the Davis Island Hospital on July 15, 1942 to Armando Peña, Sr. and Grace Sosa Peña. He celebrated his youth on the streets and on the playing fields of Ybor City and West Tampa where he played little league for American Legion Post 248, MacFarland Park, and was team batting champion (1961) for the Jefferson Dragons.

Pop loved to share stories of his father, siblings and wonderful friends with anyone willing to listen. He was a doo-wop aficionado, the original sharp-dressed man, and a loving, supportive and forgiving man who always saw the goodness in people.

Armando was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Martino Peña. He is survived by his daughters and their partners: Jodi (Bobby D’Agostino), Karin (Jeff Stein), and Danielle (Kenny Hall), his beloved eight grandchildren, his siblings and their spouses: Mary Jane (Hector Espinola) and Fred (Eileen Pena) and his adored nephews, nieces, and their children.

Pop will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Major League Baseball RBI program. Visit MLB.com or their affiliate, bgctampa.org.

A visitation for Pop will be held Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gonzalez Funeral Home, 7209 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33614, followed by a prayer service from 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM.