Jose Pena

Visitation Sunday January 4, 2026 4:00PM-9:00PM
Funeral Mass Monday January 5, 2026 9:15AM Sacred Heart R.C. Church
Entombment Holy Rood Cemetery
It's with the heaviest of hearts that I announce the passing of my father, Jose Pena on December 30th, 2025 at the age of 75.
Jose was a loyal and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His charisma and love for life made people gravitate to him time and time again. Born in Galicia, Spain, he grew up humble, but always yearning for more. The stories about his life in Spain, especially with his "burra" will never be forgotten.
Jose came to N.Y. at 19 and made Island Park his home. He worked at Belmont and Aqueduct Racetracks for almost 50 years where he was a food server. He loved his work; talking, learning, and meeting new people continuously.
After retirement Jose worked as a substitute custodian at Island Park Schools. Working in a school gave him purpose again. He would see and talk with teachers that his daughter had, say hello to current students, and sneak ice cream money to his great-nieces during lunch. He was there during the devastating Super Storm Sandy and worked hard with staff to get the school running again.
Loyal, helpful, kind-hearted, and charismatic is the way Jose will be remembered. His 75 years with us was not enough, but we will cherish all the memories and stories he left with each of us.
Jose leaves behind the three most important women in his life: wife Maria, daughter Diana, and granddaughter Callie.
Arrangements are as follows:
Christopher T. Jordan's Funeral Home
302 Long Beach Rd, Island Park, NY 11558
Wake
Sunday 1/4 4-9pm
Funeral
Monday 1-5 9:15 mass, Sacred Heart Church