In 1996 You became my P.O., you spoke up for me and saved me from prison..You said this man is salvageble to the judge,you had faith in me.My parents thanked you,I thanked you we spend several years seeing each other.Mr. Pena was a good man he believed in second chances and now I am 61 and Mr. Pena I never let you down stayed clean because of you my life turned around for the better..To your family I send my heart felt condolences and I came here today many years later because I never forgot you and your help.This man saved me..I know you are with God Mr.Pena I will never forget you. Rest in peace with our Lord...Amen

"Gussy" Pena was a good man.  He set an example for all  who knew him for standards of fatherhood, community service, patriotism, friendship and  musicianship. 
Without his support and encouragement, I would not be the person I am today.  He always provided strength and optimism in every situation when I came to him for advice or just needed company. The soundtrack of my childhood was composed of mothers calling their children, the yells of kids at play and the beautiful sound of Gussy's trumpet practicing for an upcoming gig.  It was a wonderful memory I hold dear.
When the Pena family decided to move from Monterrey Street to the northwest suburbs, there was hole in our neighborhood.  My friends Pat and Mickey, Gussy's sons;  the joyful Pena girls and  Sally all were gone.
A few years later, Pat, known for his athletic exploits of absolute abandonment that defied common sense,  tragically died in a car accident.  I lost my friend twice. 
A few weeks after Pat's funeral, Gussy called our home and invited me to go with him to rehearsals with various  orchestras including those headed by Paul Elizondo,  Pete. Protillo, Fred Salas, Mateo Camargo and Ramiro Cervera.  Although I was a percussionist, I gravitated to the production side of sound systems and lights.  This provided a foundation of skills I still use today. I often wonder why Gussy took such an effort to mentor me.
Life continued, we took our paths and reconnected as if no time had past.  In 2002, Gussy and I met backstage at some gig - he, as a member of Paul's band and I, a drummer with URBAN-15.  He had an interest in playing percussion and agreed to attend some of our rehearsals.  Gussy fit in seamlessly - mastering  the exotic hand percussion instruments and providing  in-depth knowledge of Latin music rhythms and history.  We welcomed him as a teacher and friend.  A  memorable time was our participation in President Obama's Inauguration.  We celebrated an historic moment. I cherish our time together.

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Francisco and Julia Salas Peña

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Celia Peña

Sandy Pitman and husband Bill

Judi Bailey and husband Don

Mickey Peña

Roberta Urrutia and husband Michael

Julie Peña and Aaron Pratt

Anna Peña

Adrian, Philip and Alec Castellano

Ryan Bailey, Colin Peña, and Lauren C. Juarez

Patrick and Andrea Urrutia

Louis Peña, Nicolas Resendez and Cristopher Resendez

Adam, Byran, Gabriel and Kailey Castellano,

Malia Peña, and Brandon Castellano

Reese Peña and Jaydin Bailey

Ian Castellano

Charles Peña

SUNSET NORTHWEST FUNERAL HOME

Francisco Peña

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Francisco Peña Jr.

February 5, 1933 – January 19, 2020

Sunset Northwest Funeral Home

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