Fernando de Pena Jr.

Fernando de Pena Jr., 79, long-time Brownsville resident, entered into eternal rest on May 6, 2016 at Sunshine Haven in Olmito.
“Nando”, as he was lovingly addressed by his grandchildren and great grandchildren, was preceded in death by his parents, Fernando de Pena Sr. and Soledad Villarreal de Pena. He is survived by his wife Graciana Saenz de Pena, and 3 daughters, Laura (Eusebio) Salinas, Leticia (Alfred) Ortiz, and Lizeth (Oscar) Cantu. He will very much be missed by his grandchildren: Laurita, Karla, Aminta, and Eusebio Salinas; Sarah, Oscar, and Sofia Cantu; Samuel and Nicolas Ortiz; and by his great granddaughter Alina. He is also survived by his sister, Maria Antonia (Adolfo) Montemayor and their children and grandchildren.
Following his graduation from San Diego (TX) High School, he attended Texas A&M University in College Station where he was a member of the Corps. He earned a Bachelor”s Degree in 1958. He later earned a Master’s Degree from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas. He also attended Colgate University in New York and taught in the Mt. Kisco School District before moving to Brownsville to teach. During his teaching career he was president of the Brownsville Classroom Teachers Association. He was also involved in the insurance business for many years.
Fernando was an avid reader and a historian. He kept up with politics and world news. A very special time in his daily routine for many years was “Daily morning coffee” with his special friends.
A memorial service will be held on May 31, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
The family sincerely thanks the staff of the Safe Haven Health Care and the Sunshine Haven, Inc. for their loving care and assistance. In lieu of flowers donations made be made to Sunshine Haven.
Services have been entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory. (956) 350-8485