Kennedy Richard De La Pena

Kennedy Richard De La Pena

May 25, 1963 -

November 8, 2025

Kennedy Richard De La Pena, beloved brother, friend, and community fixture, passed from this life on November 8, 2025, at the age of 62. Born on May 25, 1963, and named after two of America's most iconic presidents: John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon. Kennedy carried a spark of charisma, confidence, and good humor wherever he went.

A proud son of Albuquerque's North Valley, Kennedy grew up surrounded by family, laughter, and the familiar hum of neighborhood life. He graduated from Valley High School and remained deeply rooted in his hometown, the place that shaped his hardworking spirit and big-hearted nature. The youngest of six siblings, Kennedy is pre-deceased by his father, Julio DeLaPena; mother, Mary DeLaPena; and sister, Patrica Ann DeLaPena. He is survived by siblings Julio, Ruben, Mark, Steven, and Mary Lou DeLaPena.

Kennedy lived a life of service and reliability. Whether helping clients with yard work, managing apartments, caring for homes and pets, or assisting local law firms, he brought his trademark dependability and energy to every task. His keen street smarts and dogged perseverance made him a legend among process servers. Kennedy could track down anyone, anywhere in New Mexico, with a skill and intuition that amazed everyone around him. Even those served with unwanted paperwork were quickly won over by the "messenger" and would often invite him in for a cup of coffee!

Beyond his work, Kennedy's heart belonged to the people and pets he loved most. His steadfast devotion to his loyal Chihuahua, Cabron, was one of life's pure joys for him. The two were inseparable, sharing quiet mornings, long drives, and countless laughs. Kennedy often said Cabron was "the prize of his life," and the bond they shared was truly something special.

Kennedy also had a natural gift for lifting spirits, especially those of the elders he faithfully visited, always arriving with warmth, conversation, and a smile that brightened their age-cracked faces. On weekends, he could be found cheering on the Dallas Cowboys, watching Lobo basketball, or tuning into his favorite WCW "rasslin'." Music was another of his great loves, especially the timeless sounds of Vicente Fernandez, Antonio Aguilar, Flaco Jimenez, and New Mexico's own Al Hurricane.

Kennedy's life was full of laughter, loyalty, and love freely given. His kindness, humor, and unwavering sense of responsibility made him someone people could always count on. He leaves behind a legacy not only of hard work but of joy, generosity, and community spirit.

Those who knew Kennedy will remember him as someone who made ordinary days brighter and who showed, through quiet acts of care and the wag of one small dog's tail, what it truly means to live a good life. Please visit www.trujillofunerals.com for more information about Kennedy and remembrances which will soon be scheduled.