Jose Luis (Joe) Pena

Jose Luis (Joe) Pena, age 78, of East Chicago, Indiana, passed away on June 21, 2026. Known lovingly by all who knew him as "Pepe" was born on March 21, 1947, in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, to Rodolfo and Carolina Pena, and was the second eldest of ten children.

He grew up in East Chicago's Harbor area before enlisting into the United States Marine Corps. After serving two tours for his country in Vietnam, Joe made a  career in installing, replacing, and repairing residential and commercial HVAC systems. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rodolfo and Carolina Pena; son, Jose Luis Pena, Jr.; and granddaughter, Thalia Rodriguez.

Joe is survived by the mother of his children, Magdalena Santos Pena; his children, Cecilia Pena (Roberto) Cabello, Teodoro (Nickie Miranda) Pena, and Esteban (Cecilia De La Cruz) Pena; numerous brothers; sisters; nieces; nephews; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

Outside of work, Joe enjoyed music and spending time with family and friends, but mostly his grandchildren. These things brought him great joy and were an important part of his life.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. with Funeral Services 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. Military Honor burial immediately following service from Ridgelawn Cemetery 4401 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408.

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