Roberto Peña Jr.

Roberto Peña, Jr. was born in Mission, Texas on July 8, 1949. At the age of two his family moved to Mercedes, Tx where as a teenager he attended Mercedes High School. After he married Janie Garza they lived in Blue Island, Illinois, Calumet Park, Illinois, Lowell, Indiana, Mercedes, Texas, Pharr, Texas and finally settled in Corpus Christi, Texas. Robert at the age of 76 years passed away on Wednesday July 9, 2025 peacefully at 8:30 A.M. 

Robert is preceded in death by his parents Roberto Peña, Sr., Eva Esquivel Peña, his siblings Rubina Peña, Rodolfo (Rudy) Peña, Raquel Peña Aleman, Rosa Linda Peña Gonzalez, Reynaldo (Rey) Peña and his daughter Lilia Peña Cook.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Ciprianita (Janie) Peña, children son, Roberto Peña III (Sheri), daughter, Lavinia Peña Yates (Dennis) granddaughters, Alyson R. Peña Koo (Stephen), Elisa A. Peña (Sadie), Ella Kate Peña, Marchesa E. Cook, Sarah Yates and siblings Rebecca Peña Trevino (Ernesto) and Ruben Peña (Meli) and numerous Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

Robert was a proud Vietnam Veteran who served his nation proudly. It wasn’t easy but he did his best. While in the US Army he was awarded National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, One Overseas Bar, Army Commendation Medal and Sharpshooter (M-16).

He enjoyed flea markets, garage sales, antiques and cars. He could spend hours at car shows and he loved to pull over when he saw something that caught his interest. Once while he was out with his brother checking out different flea markets, he bought a saddle! He didn’t even own a horse! When I asked him… why a saddle? His reply, don’t worry, I have an idea. He was very innovative and came up with great ideas of making things work better. Sadly, he didn’t get the time to show me his saddle idea. But I have faith we will meet again and he will share it when the time is right.