1959
2012
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Marty Pena, 53, from a Heart Attack on Thursday, November 29, 2012.
Marty, born January 21, 1959, and was the second son of Harvey "Buck" Pena and Patricia Pena. He was a lifelong and fourth generation Camarillan as well as an eighth generation Californian. With his outgoing, friendly personality and long time involvement in youth sports plus his 20 year career as a painting contractor in Camarillo, Marty had many friends and admirers and was loved by all who knew him. He attended local schools; St. Mary Magdalene, and Las Posas Grammar Schools. Monte Vista Junior High and was a member of the Toro wrestling team. He then attended Adolfo Camarillo High School where he participated in the Agriculture program raising two swine (one named after his older brother) which he sold for a handsome profit at the Ventura County Fair.
Marty was an excellent athlete. All through his pre-high school years he played in the Pleasant Valley Boys Baseball Association. He was an annual All-Star being an excellent right handed pitcher and a hard hitting left handed batter. In his first year of Pony League, he was the first player chosen in the 13-14 year old draft and not only led his team to the championship he then led his All-Star team to the Boys Baseball Pony League District Championship game. He played Football and Baseball all four years at ACHS. He was a offensive lineman in football but during his senior year he had chronic ankle problems which limited his mobility but never took him out of a game. In baseball he really matured into an amazing hitter. He was an all Marmonte League Designated Hitter both his Junior and Senior year. He hit some of the farthest home runs that people had ever seen.
After high school Marty worked at Camarillo State Hospital, then to a long stint as a painter then Painting Contractor. Marty became so well known for unique painting applications that the VC Star ran a full page article with Marty's tips on how to refinish kitchen cabinets. He started and ran MP Painting for almost 20 years and was known as "Mr. Punctuality" because of his reputation for always arriving early to work, a family gathering, or a game of pool. He also shared his know how with his workers and two of his employees broke off on their own and they too have had great success as local painting contractors.
Marty was a head coach for over 25 years with Camarillo Pony Baseball and during that time earned the affection of his players, their parents and his opponents. Coaching was Marty's biggest passion. He was first head coach at age 17 coaching his little brothers Rick and Chris. He continued to coach his younger brothers every year. He then coached his sons Jeff, Ricky and Ben throughout their youth baseball years. He also coached in the AYSO program and won several championships even though he had not played soccer in his youth. A few years ago Marty sold his painting business and went to work at the California Youth Authority as a painter and maintenance person. He truly loved his job. Because of his friendly demeanor, he was liked by all of his co-workers and even many of the inmates.
Marty was preceded in death by his parents, Buck and Pat Pena; brother Chris Pena; and grandmother Opal Huber all from Camarillo. Six aunts and six uncles all from Camarillo at one time or another, as well as his cousins Paul Strickland from Santa Maria and Darlene Graham from Oxnard.
He is survived by the greatest thing that ever happened to him, his son Benjamin Ace Pena and his adopted sons Rick and Jeff Pena all of Camarillo. All were excellent baseball players throughout their youth thanks in no small part to Marty's knowledge of baseball and how to play it. Other survivors include his two brothers Nick Pena (wife Cheryl) and Rick Pena both of Camarillo. His only nephew and Godson, Danno Pena (Vanessa) and their sons Lucas and Jack, as well as his only niece Beckie Pena (Fiance' Jason). He also leaves behind his longtime girlfriend Mary King. Other survivors include 23 cousins spread between Alabama, California and Alaska.
We will have a Memorial Service to say good-bye to one of the world's good guys at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, 2012, officiating will be Jonathan Mulford at Griffin Family Funeral Chapels, 1075 E. Daily Drive, Camarillo, Ca 93010, 482-1166. There will be a reception after the Memorial. Directions will be provided at the service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Daley Family.
I still think about him and his beautiful swing. He was an absolute gem of a dude.
E Hill
Friend
November 29, 2023
Always in my friendship circle
Ed Hill
November 29, 2020
Happy Birthday Love...today, like most, was filled with so many memories and smiles...I miss you so much, words cannot explain...
Mary
January 21, 2015
Ya, hit left, throw right. He had those dang left handed clubs for golf too! We snuck a hardball bat into a softball tourney, and Marty hit one way out in the trees. Great swing...
Dirk Downing
December 15, 2014
He sure loved baseball. I remember that beautiful swing of his. Last time I saw him was at our 30 year reunion.. He looked trim and was as friendly as ever. What a great and loving dude!
Ed Hill
December 13, 2014
I think about you a lot man, sure do miss you. Glad you didn't have to see the MLB playoffs this year.
Dirk Downing
December 12, 2014
Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. I think of Marty often. He dated my sister for a while and Marty and I played football together for 4 years at Cam Hi. We were lineman so we spent a lot of time together.
We also played little league baseball for 8 years. We then umpired together and played on the same softball team after high school. In fact, we won the Oxnard city championship that year.
He was always kind to me and he always had that smile. I pray that the good Lord will always shine upon you and memories of Marty. He was a good man.
Ed Hill
November 30, 2013
Miss you immensely, love you forever..
Mary
November 29, 2013
I WILL FOREVER LOVE YOU...you are a great man indeed. Such an unforgettable smile, a generous and kind soul, an infectious laugh and such a calming heart and hug. I miss you so much...no words can describe...
Mary King
May 29, 2013
RIP
December 21, 2012
Marty: I still hear you getting ice for your iced tea. I see your truck and say "Oh, Marty's home" (and that was when we got home from the service) and I miss your beautiful smile. You were an awesome roommate that was always there for me whenever I needed some help. You will be greatly missed. To the rest of the Pena family: Thank you for sharing your brother, father, husband and cousin with the world. We are all better people for having Marty in our lives.
Toni Downing
December 13, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about Marty's passing, he was a great guy with always a smile. My thoughts and prayers are with the Mary and the family.
Karen Douglass
December 12, 2012
Marty was a great coach to our son Kevin and graciously invited us to some fight night parties at his house - once you knew Marty you were included in his life. We always had fun when the baseball team travelled to allstar games. Marty was a strategic coach who brought out the best in the boys yet kept it fun. He would say " you might want to try this" he didn't get in anyone's dish. He was looking forward to coaching Mary's grand kids . When baseball started each year he was so happy. He hated the regulation white double knit baseball pants required at allstar tournaments though ...
Ben your dad was so proud of you . Your Dad loved you so much- more in your 22 years than many people get in a 50 years or more with their parents. He will watch over you now and be with you in your heart. We will all remember him fondly.
Glen. Patti and Kevin Ball
December 9, 2012
Marty, you will be so greatly missed!! You were never without a smile!! It was such a pleasure to have known you!
Denise White
December 9, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
art/pat ECKER FAMILY
December 9, 2012
Robbi Pearson-Robertson
December 8, 2012
I just heard of Marty's passing. I am so very sorry. Haven't seen you in years but will always remember you as a coach to my boys. They sure loved it when they got on your team. You had a smile for everyone! We sure have lost a great one. RIP Marty..
Sandy Howe
December 8, 2012
Marty your brothers put on a excellent service for you not to mention great speaches by phil white your uncle Art and not tomention an ounstanding job by your brother Nick I will always remember feeling guilty when playing right field and catching your 400 foot balls for outs thank goodness for no fence RIP to Camarillos coolest person
jeffrey Hunter
December 8, 2012
Marty,
Having grown up with you in Camarillo I had the priviledge of your friendship. Your passing leaves a void that can't be filled. Always one of the great guys in our town, you created an incredible legacy and touched everyone you ever met.
Richard Vigni
December 8, 2012
Marty was mild mannered but a great competitor. Always enjoyed his company and the great times we had in High School...he will be missed.
Chad McCardell
December 7, 2012
I was so incredibly sad to learn of Marty's passing. Nick, Cheryl, Rick, Ben and family my thoughts and prayers are with you. Marty was a genuine good guy, fiercely protective of his family,a loyal friend and generous with everything he had. I am lucky to have so many great memories of him, and I will miss him always.
Cindy Fuller
December 7, 2012
We lost you way too soon my cousin. There is comfort in knowing you're with Uncle Buck, Aunt Pat and Chris.
Love,
Margaret and Charlie Festerling
December 7, 2012
Mary Ann Etchechoury
December 7, 2012
I had great times competing in baseball with Marty. RIP my friend.
Scott Ryden
December 7, 2012
Wonderfully said. Thoughts and prayers going out to friends and family.
December 7, 2012
I will always have such fond memories of Marty, PV Boys Baseball, and in the old days spending Christmas Eve with him, Ben and his family.
One year when Marty was a manager for PV Boys Baseball - he won a trophy for being a wonderful manager - the Joe Romano Award! My dad! I was so excited that Marty won it! My dad would have been so proud of the Award going to him!
I woudl like to think of Marty being with my dad and my brother Charlie right now along with his parents (on teh bleechers) and his brother Chris. Maybe playing baseball?????
Susan Romano Hayward
December 7, 2012
I was incredibly sad to learn of Marty's passing. He was a genuine friend, with a fierce love of family and a heart as big as the outdoors. Nick, Cheryl, Rick, Ben, and family my prayers and love go out to you all. I will miss him always,he was one of a kind.
Cindy Conway
December 7, 2012
On behalf of all the people from Camarillo Pony Baseball...I would like to thank Marty for his time and efforts spent on the baseball fields helping his sons and other boys learn about baseball and life. Ed Sandell, Somis, Ca.
December 7, 2012
Marty!!! :(( Thank you for being so beautiful & kind & funny. When I would be at a Pena function or party I would turn around and see your awesome smile & instantly, I'd have to go hug you & be near your beautiful presence. How lucky is Heaven, that they all get to have you? You will be missed, Marty. God bless your sweet soul. <3 <3 <3
Jooley Pena
December 7, 2012
Except for one chance meeting I haven't seen Marty for over 25 years. I got to know him in the early eighties when he was dating my roommate. We had some great times; BBQ's “throw a little garlic salt on the coals, drive your neighbors crazy”, Sunday night bowling league (another game he excelled at) and camping at Lake Casitas. Marty had that unique ability to enjoy everyone around him and in turn everyone had a good time, even if it took two hours to pitch a tent in the dark. May his loved ones take comfort in the knowledge that he will be remember so very well by everyone he met.
Jackie
December 6, 2012
In my thoughts & prays Marty....
Tim McDonell
December 6, 2012
Friends in high school.... Met up again coaching at Camarillo pony. Will cherish the conversations. Ben, Zack & I send our prayers. God Bless you Marty!
December 6, 2012
David and I send our condolences to you Nick and to your family. Barbara (Hill) Dodson
December 6, 2012
Lots of memories of fun times in school and sports. You were a great guy Marty. My best to your family.
Joe Adams Adams
December 6, 2012
I was thrilled to attend my first high school freshman party at Martys house. It was crazy! Marty was fun and friendly. He was always so kind to me.We played football and basebal and softball together. I once hung a curveball that he jacked for a smokin double. He was a great person,a great hitter,and a friend. God Bless you Marty. There is ano empty place in my heart today. When I think of you I amile. You were one of the good guys and I pray that everyone you touched sends prayers and blessings to your family and friends.
Ed Hill
December 6, 2012
Bobby, Jimmy and I are so sorry to see Marty go. He made Mary happy.
Kathy Strum
December 6, 2012
your in our prayers
Hank / Loretta Robles
December 6, 2012
Rest in Heaven now.... The Stars will be a lot brighter now.. Keep on swinging your bat . May God bless your family. Bright smile and great guy... Class of 1977- has lost one of there best athletes. Rest In Peace, Marty..
Susan Branam- Dunkle
December 6, 2012
Nick and the entire Pena family. I am so sorry to hear of Marty's passing. May you find comfort in memories and strength in each other's love throughout this difficult time.
John Spohn
December 6, 2012
Lupe Croft
December 5, 2012
Marty your great personality and love for your boys will live on. It was a pleasure to have met you. Rest in peace.
Susan (Cosner) Jones
December 5, 2012
Marty I haven't seen you since high school but have thought about you often. You were always such a sweetheart. God Bless you.
Jean SHUBERT
December 5, 2012
Akeley Family
December 5, 2012
Marty,
Thank You!
It's been my pleasure to know you as my friend, co-worker, and brother at the VYCF….
We will miss you, and you will always be in our thoughts and prayers……
Rest in Peace my brother.
Brian Owens
December 5, 2012
Marty is one of the very few individuals you meet in life that have a positive impact on life's experience. He was such a positive influence on everyone he 'touched'. We have all lost a best friend.
Alfred & Bette Joseph
December 5, 2012
I was so said to learn of Marty's passing. He was one of the sweetest guys I have ever met. He was too young to leave so soon. Heaven definitely has an awesome new Angel. God Bless you Marty! My condolences to you family and the many friends who loved you.
Liz Yancey
December 5, 2012
God Bless you Marty
Jim Whalen
December 5, 2012
Marty you will forever be missed.. Your smile and laughter forever heard. Until we meet next time, you will always be in our hearts!! <3
Purple & Mike .
December 5, 2012
The world will have a lot fewer laughs with you gone Marty - one of the best guys I've ever known. Thank you for your friendship and for coaching us as kids (I still use your baseball signs for my travel teams to this day). You will be so sorely missed.
Todd Daley
December 5, 2012
Marty, although I haven't seen you in a long time, some of my favorite memories of growing up in Camarillo in Jr. and Hi school include you..You really were a great guy and one to sorely be missed by so many! Yours was much too short. love, s
sharon maffei
December 5, 2012
Many laughs with you Marty. You will be greatly missed!
Lisa Henry
December 5, 2012
I love you cousin. You will be missed greatly.
Traci Tate
December 5, 2012
Billie Frazier
December 5, 2012
The heavens have a new angel. One of the sweetest kindest men I have ever met. Going to miss that quirky smile. My sincere condolences to the Pena family and friends.
Billie Frazier
December 5, 2012
Purple .
December 5, 2012
You will be greatly missed Marty! Everyone who knew you loved you and it was a great honor to have known you! RIP!
Renee Carney
December 5, 2012
Why take a GREAT man.... your smile will forever be missed....
December 5, 2012
You are so greatly missed Marty! Your kindness and that infectious smile! Peace and blessings to your family.
Susanne Ciufo
December 5, 2012
Marty I've known you for 20 years. Through out those years there was never a day you weren't there for Ben.you are still the worlds greatest dad. We all love you. Goodbye Marty
Jon Samuel
December 5, 2012
Marty was such a sweet man and we are honored to have known him. You will be forever missed! Our sincere condolences go out to Ben, Mary & the family. RIP Marty!
Shannon Wickstrom & Jesse Frazier
December 5, 2012
You will be missed by so many MP. Thanks for being one of the good guys, I will surely miss our daily laugh. Goodbye friend
Dirk Downing
December 5, 2012
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