Joseph Pena

Joseph Pena passed away peacefully at 91 years of age January 31, 2016. Joe was born to Florencio and Delores Pena at their home on Monroe St. in Santa Clara on November 29th 1924. Joe’s parents had emigrated from Spain to Hawaii then to Santa Clara in the early 1900’s. He was the youngest of six siblings; Tom, John, Geary, Laura and Lucille.

This son of Santa Clara lived a wonderful life. Joe grew up surrounded by the love of his parents, siblings, and many cousins (the Poso family) and friends in Old Santa Clara. After playing football at Santa Clara High he graduated early to enlist in the U.S Navy during WWII. During the war Joe served on the USS Glynn during the battle of Okinawa.

After the war Joe returned to Santa Clara to marry the love of his life Betty Rosalie Santos. Together they raised three children Michael (Jonelle), Joan (the late Jeff), and Vincent (Alison). It was during this time that Joe went from working at the PM Mill to becoming a fireman in Santa Clara. It was a job he loved and was very proud of, working for the Santa Clara Fire Dept. for 30 years and rising to the rank of Assistant Chief.

In his early years as a firefighter his children remember him working for the Post Office on his days off driving an Army surplus truck delivering packages at Christmas time. This was also the time Joe, being a proud member of American Legion Post 419, would participate in Memorial Day parades with his children excitedly watching.

The annual family trips to Lake Tahoe were also fun and interesting, as it usually took about 4 hours to get there but only 3 and a half hours to get back. This was so Joe could tend to his perfectly manicured yard, which was one of his great loves.

After retirement in 1984 Joe spent lots of time with his 8 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. He was also able to travel with his wife Betty and to tend to his much loved garden. A dedicated husband, father, and citizen Joe will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 5:00PM-9:00PM and a Rosary at 7:00PM on Monday February 8th at the Lima funeral home on 466 N. Winchester Blvd. in Santa Clara. The funeral will be at Saint Clare’s Chapel at the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery at 490 Lincoln Street in Santa Clara on Tuesday Feb. 9th at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley, 4850 Union Avenue, San Jose California, 95124-5600.