Manuel Pena

Manuel Pena passed away on Monday, December 21, 2009, in Palm Desert, Calif. at the age of 91. He was born in Deming, N.M. on September 7, 1918. He is survived by his wife, Olga R. Pena; his three sons, Daniel, Vincent, Glenn; and five grandchildren. Manuel "Manny" Pena was raised in the Los Angeles, Calif. area and graduated from Lincoln High School. He worked for Lockheed Aircraft as a young man and joined the Navy in 1942, serving in the South Pacific during World War II. After returning from World War II in 1945, he started a career with the Los Angeles Police Department and almost immediately became a detective. In 1951, Manny was recalled to the Army and worked counter intelligence during the Korean War. Upon his return to LAPD, he was promoted to the ranks of Sergeant and Lieutenant Commander. During this time, Manny experienced many notable assignments which included that of lead investigator for the RFK assassination investigation in 1968 and co-founder of the Latin American Law Enforcement Officers Association. Manny retired from LAPD after 28 years of service and started a second career as a Professor of Administration of Justice at East Los Angeles College. He received his Bachelor's and teaching degrees at Cal State Los Angeles and UCLA. He retired in 1986 after 17 years at East LA College and was appointed to the Board of Governor's for the California Community Colleges by Governor Deukmejian. In 1987, Manny and his loving wife, Olga, moved to Palm Desert to enjoy their well deserved retirement playing golf, traveling in the U.S. and Europe, and enjoying their grandchildren. He also authored a criminal investigation text book and a crime novel during his time. He spent a career mentoring young people in law enforcement. Manny will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family would like to thank Saint Mary's Loving Care Home and the Visiting Nurse Association of the Inland Counties for the care and attention provided during his last three years of failing health. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Visiting Nurse Association of the Inland Counties at 42-600 Cook Street, Suite 210, Palm Desert, CA 92211. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, February 6, 2010 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, Calif. Forest Lawn Glendale is in charge of arrangements.