John Ernest Sena Jr.

John Ernest "Johnny" Sena Jr., 59, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, February 17, 2025, surrounded by his family and friends.
A Celebration of Life for Johnny will be held on Friday, the 25th of April 2025, from 6-9pm, in the lower lobby of their residence at the Graystone Court Villas located at 100 Hawknest Way, Bellefonte, Pennsylvania 16823. Additionally, there will be a gathering on the following Saturday afternoon, at Beaver Stadium for the annual Penn State University "Blue and White" game.
Johnny was born January 23, 1966, in Albuquerque, New Mexico to John Ernest Sena Sr. and Maria Dolores Sena. Johnny grew up in the Army and during his childhood he lived on or near posts to include Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Okinawa, Japan, Bremerhaven, Germany, Carlisle Barracks Pennsylvania and Fort Lewis, Washington.
Johnny met the love of his life, Ana Maria, in high school in Tacoma, Washington, while both their fathers were stationed at Fort Lewis. After high school, Johnny and Ana went away to Black Hills State College in Spearfish, South Dakota, where they both participated in Army's Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC). Johnny graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering and received a commission as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in the U.S. Army. Johnny and Ana were married on May 6, 1988, and immediately began their own journey in the military.
Together they performed a lifetime of service in the U.S. Army, serving for 30 years and achieving the rank of Colonel. Their Army journey took them initially to Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana then on to Fort Lewis, Washington, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Johnston Atoll in the Pacific Ocean, Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Schofield Barracks and Fort Shafter, Hawaii, Fort Richardson, Alaska, MacDill AFB, Tampa, Florida, Soto Cano AFB, Honduras, the Pentagon, in the Military District of Washington and finally to the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. Johnny loved being a Soldier, a Ranger, and a Paratrooper and always set the example of professionalism in everything he did. He served in multiple prestigious organizations that include: the 9th Infantry Division, the 82d Airborne Division, the 25th Infantry Division (Light), US Special Operations Command, Office of the Secretary of Defense and culminated as an instructor at the U.S. Army War College. Additionally, he served as the Task Force 556 Commander in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and the Director of the 8th Human Resources Sustainment Center in Kuwait supporting combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, the G1 of the U.S. Army Alaska, the Garrison Commander of Soto Cano, Honduras. During his distinguished career, he earned multiple (30) awards and decorations, including: the Expert Infantry Badge, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab, two Defense Superior Service medals, two Legion of Merits, two Bronze Star Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.
In every assignment, Johnny was known as the consummate professional, a Soldier's Soldier who loved and cared for his Soldiers and their families. His Soldiers and their families reciprocated the love back to Johnny and Ana. Team Sena left an incredible legacy on countless Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines and their families. Johnny's larger than life personality will truly be missed.
After his service in the Army, John and Ana decided to make their forever home in State College, Pennsylvania, home to the Penn State Nittany Lions. Their retirement became very busy with everything Penn State, from football to basketball, to soccer, even wrestling. Johnny found a new job at Penn State, where he was able to work remotely and still enjoy retirement. Johnny and Ana travelled frequently to visit their children and their three grandsons; Johnny loved to take them camping in his RV that was christened as "Grandpa's Cabin". Johnny loved being a grandpa. He loved telling everyone about his grandsons, even stopping mid meeting as toddlers ran into his office, laughing and yelling "Grandpa!"
Johnny loved his wife Ana. They never stopped being the highschool sweethearts and they never "grew-up". Their marriage is something to aspire to, their love one everyone hopes to one day find.
Johnny is survived by his loving wife Ana, their daughters Audry-Ana Figueroa and Jenni Sena, his son-in-law Jesus "Chucho" Figueroa; his future son-in-law Austin Van Natten; his three grandsons – Jesus "Chuchito" Figueroa Jr, Odin Figueroa, and Atlas Figueroa; his parents 1SG (USA, Retired) John Ernest Sr. and Maria Dolores Sena, of Georgetown, Texas; his sister Michelle Sena Stanley, his brother-in-law Craig Stanley and their two children Keegan Stanley and Emma Stanley; and Ana's parents- 1SG (USA, Retired) Arthur Gilbert and Ana Maria (Rameriz) Valadez, of Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Celebration of Life through the Venmo App at: venmo @Ana_S88