Ret. High school math teacher and naval reservist, Fernando Peña, III, was born June 6, 1962 and passed away on February 28, 2022 at the age of 59. He was surrounded by loved ones he dubbed Team Peña. He now joins his parents Fernando Peña, Jr. and Carlotta Peña.
Fernie completed his Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication in 1984. He worked for KTEP and other local stations before deciding to enlist in the Navy from 1985-1987. He continued to serve his country in the naval reserves from 1987-1999 achieving the rank of Lt. Commander. After his enlistment ended, he went back to UTEP and earned a Master’s degree in Math Education.
Fernie found his greatest joy becoming a math teacher at Hanks High School. For him, 25 years wasn’t enough time to help and teach the students that came into his classroom. He really missed inflicting countless bad puns and dad jokes on them. A co-worker said Fernie could reach and connect to any at-risk student and that his classroom was always filled with kids visiting him.
Around 2000, He was given the devastating diagnosis of being in Stage D heart failure. He was placed on the transplant list, and in 2004 he received the gift of life. He was able to enjoy being with his family, friends and students for almost an additional 18 years.
He was a living testimony of the difference organ donation can make on a life. Because of this one family’s generous gift from such a tragic loss, Fernie was able to see his son grow up and he was able to become the teacher that turns kids lives around. He is survived by his son Chris, his mother Graciela, his brother Jaime and his sister Lety along with nephews and nieces.
He will be missed.
Memorial Service will be Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Avenue.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelCentral.com for the Pena III family.
