Dr. Rudolph G. Peña

He is survived by his wife, Becky Brown Peña,; daughter, Jennifer House and husband, Jon of Pearland; son, Alex Peña, of Austin; sisters, Judy Garcia of Victoria and husband Abel, Mary Helen Peña, of Victoria, Sylvia Sanchez of San Antonio and husband Gonzalo, Diana Peña, of Katy; two grandchildren, Danielle House and Avery House as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dr. Rudolph G. Peña was known as many things to many people. He was a son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, teacher, and a physician. He was an exceptional man, a gentle giant...

Rudy was the son of Rudolph and Ann Pena and grew up in Victoria, Texas. He was raised with four sisters, Judy, Mary Helen, and twins, Sylvia and Diana.

As a young boy, Rudy had a number of interests. He was an active child who took part in basketball, football, baseball and boxing. In his spare time he loved fishing and hunting with his dad.

He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1962 and he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Houston in 1967. He also pursued a graduate degree in medicine, earning his medical degree from the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, Mexico in May of 1972. He went on to do a rotating internship in Toledo, Ohio, where he met his wife, Becky. A year of social service work in Mexico followed, and he then completed an orthopaedic surgery residency at LSU Medical Center, Charity Hospital, New Orleans, LA.

On October 19,1974 Rudy exchanged wedding vows with Rebecca Lynn Brown at a Presbyterian Church. Rudy's uncle, who was a Baptist minister, married a Catholic boy to a Methodist girl. A true melting pot of religion that led to a beautiful loving family.

Rudy was blessed with two children, one daughter, Jennifer, and one son, Alex. Another blessing for Rudy was the gift of two grandchildren, Danielle, and Avery who loved their "Poppy".

Rudy practiced Orthopaedic medicine in Victoria and the surrounding area for 30 years. He loved his work and cared deeply for each and every one of his patients.

Rudy enjoyed the outdoors. His favorite hobbies were flying his Cessna 170 with his friend Wes Cole, ranching, hunting and fishing with his son Alex and his friend Jim Bozka. He was blessed to be able to travel throughout the country and abroad fulfilling these passions.

Rudy enjoyed giving back to the community and was actively involved in professional and community organizations. Rudy was an active member of the MD Anderson Network, a founding member of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, involved in Angel Flight and Houston Ground Angels, a lifetime member of the NRA. He was also a member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Southern Medical Association, Victoria/Goliad/Jackson Counties Medical Society, South Texas Physician Guild, and the Texas Orthopaedic Association. He was a member of the Board of Trustees at DeTar Hospital from 1996-1998 and Chairman of the Board at DeTar Hospital in 1999.

Rudy's faith was very important to him. He was a deeply spiritual man and a devout Christian with a special love for the Blessed Mother.

Rudy will be remembered by those closest to him as a true philanthropist. There was never a situation that he failed to see the positive. Whether it was a patient, a long-time friend, a family member, or someone he just met, he always gave his help, love, and guidance without discrimination. He had an enduring belief in the good of humanity and was a true champion in the effort to improve it.

Rudy was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Rudy leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Dr. Rudolph G. Pena.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 16, 2011, at Rosewood Funeral Chapels from 5-7 pm with a rosary and memorial service beginning at 7 pm.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 W. 13400 South, #510, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84096, or you may donate online at cholangiocarcinomafoundation.org

To sign Dr. Peña’s guest book or leave a message of condolence visit www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.