Cesario "Kino" Pena Jr.

Cesario Pena Jr was born in Rio Grande City on April 27, 1937. He lived with his mother, Felipa Pena who became a widow when Cesario was barely a year old. He grew up without his father. Cesario learned to work small jobs at an early age to help his mother maintain their household. As a young teen, at about 13 years old, he dropped out of school to work and that is when his journey brought him to San Antonio. He worked with farmers who would come to San Antonio to sell cantaloupes and other produce from the Valley, here at our local fruit markets. He soon after moved to work in San Antonio and became employed by the famous Manhattan Restaurant located in downtown San Antonio. There he became a Pastry Chef and that is where he met his future wife, Mary. They married in 1955. His mother Felipa went to be with the Lord in 1972.

As the father of six children and husband to Mary, he worked tirelessly and at times, held a full-time job as well as part-time work to make ends meet. He worked at the Manhattan for many years until his path took him to work at such places as the bakeries of HEB, Anthony’s Restaurant, Dunkin Donuts and Albertsons.

Cesario enjoyed time with his family and was a wonderful father. His sacrifice for the family was evident. Although we did not see him as much due to long working hours, we always knew how much he loved us. He was also an active member of his church where he committed time to help with the many festivals and enjoyed being a bingo caller weekly. He also worked with the campaign organization that supported Jose Menendez including his last election where Jose Menendez became a Texas State Senator.

He was a lover of people and had a big heart, always helping those in need. He left us with an impression on how to be kind and to help others. He taught us the importance of saving money. Cesario became a widower when he lost his wife Mary in 1996.

He was a Pastry Chef until he retired in 1999 to enjoy his later years with his family, spending time to do things he never had time for when he worked. His favorites included fishing, trips to the beach and family barbeques as well as continuing to do work for the church. His favorite place became Rockport TX and made an annual trip there while he was able. He went on to study theology and became a student earning his Certificate of Completion at the School of Theology. Our dad placed his faith in God and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Kino will be reunited in heaven with his parents, Felipa and Cesario Pena; wife, Maria Padilla Pena; son, Cesario Pena III. Granddaughter, Michelle Lynn Toche; son in law, Christopher Paul Womble; and brother in law, Joe Padilla.

His memory will forever live in his daughters, Mary Elena Roberts and Ted Roberts, Diana Womble and Yolanda “Yoli” Pena; sons, Ricardo “Rick” Pena and Roger Pena. Grandchildren, Jacob Pena, Samantha Mary Womble, Christopher Paul Womble II, Mary Elizabeth Jimenez, Priscilla Ann Cruz, Laura Marie Pena, Dana Pena; great-grandchildren, Dove Celestebelle Toche, Blaize Jeremiah Toche, Ryan Lucas Natalino, Tiana Jimenez, Analisa Jimenez, Miriam Jimenez, Gabriella Jimenez, Abigail Ramirez, Gabriel Ramirez, Jonathan Cruz, Michael Robledo, Alizee Robledo, Jeremiah Isaac Cruz, Anthony Pena and Alex Pena. Cousin Licha Zamudia and extended family and friends.