Santos Peña

Santos Peña, age 63, passed away on April 19, 2026. He was born on July 28, 1962, in El Confital, Durango, Mexico, to his loving parents Pedro and Leandra Peña. In 1966, his family relocated to Sinaloa, Mexico.

Santos came to the United States in 1974, where he began building a life centered on hard work, family, and generosity. He attended 66th Street School, St. Columbkille Catholic School, and Holy Cross Middle School. At just 13 years old, he made the selfless decision to leave school and begin working to help his parents.

In 1979, Santos married the love of his life, Maria del Carmen Peña, and together they built a strong and devoted family. In 1980, they welcomed their daughter, Leticia Peña, who remained a central part of his life and pride. In 1981, Santos moved into the family home on East 107th Street, where he continued to support his family—a home that remains the Peña family residence to this day.

After the passing of his father, Pedro Peña, in 1983, Santos stepped into the role of head of household, carrying the responsibility with strength and dedication. At the age of 18, he joined Union Local 300, where he worked faithfully until his retirement at age 50. At just 23 years old, he achieved another milestone by purchasing apartments, which he proudly owned throughout his life.

In May 2021, Santos faced a life-threatening moment when he fell into a coma. Through his strength, faith, and will to live, he recovered and was blessed with more time with his family. One of the most cherished moments of that time was walking his daughter, Leticia, down the aisle in December 2021. For the past five years, he lived with his daughter and son-in-law, Silvano, sharing a close and meaningful bond. Santos cared deeply for Silvano, and Silvano, in turn, did everything to earn his love and respect. Santos found peace knowing his family would be cared for, and that reassurance stayed with him until the end.

Santos was known for his unwavering generosity, strength, and love for others. He was the kind of person who would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. He was also deeply devoted to his mother, always looking out for her with love and concern, never denying her anything and making sure she was cared for at all times. He was a respected and authoritative figure to his family and friends—so much so that many people identified his loved ones simply as “Santos’s daughter” or “Santos’s sibling,” a testament to the impact of his presence.

Even in his final moments, Santos’s concern was for others. He continued to offer comfort, asking that visitors be cared for, always wanting to provide food or drink—even when he himself could not. His selflessness extended beyond his life, as he became a donor, generously giving the gift of sight through cornea donation.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Maria del Carmen Peña; his beloved daughter, Leticia Peña; and his siblings Manuela, Natividad, Maria, Benita, Candelaria, Rafael, Graciela, Celia, Elvia, Miguel, Senaida, Rosa, Mirna, and Marlen.

Santos Peña will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. His legacy of kindness, strength, and generosity will live on through all those whose lives he touched.

Rest in Peace.