Pedro Pena

Pedro Pena, 94, of Powell, Ohio passed away peacefully at home on June 6, 2023. He was born on January 19, 1929, in Orocovis, Puerto Rico. He was the second oldest of 12 children born to Artemio Pena Torres and Arsenia Ortiz Camacho. Pedro’s first time to the United States was June 23, 1953 to work a six-month job in the agricultural farms of New Jersey. After completion of his contract he returned to Puerto Rico. In 1956 he had an opportunity to go to East Chicago, Indiana to work for Inland Steel Company, however, after two months, his employment was cut short due to a union strike. He returned to Puerto Rico, married the love of his life Armanda, and moved to East Chicago, Indiana, where they began their married life together. They were blessed with six children; Nelson, Elizabeth, Evelyn, Miriam, Gloria and Nancy. Pedro secured a job with Youngstown Sheet & Tube. The company was later acquired by Jones & Laughlin (J&L) Steel Company (a subsidiary of LTV Steel). Pedro managed to navigate through the hardship eras of the steel crisis with union strikes, and the lay-offs from the recession. Throughout these challenging times, he always managed to put food on the table for his family. During his time at LTV he worked as a utility man in the Machine Shop. He was fondly known as ‘Pete’ who always brought humor and sunshine into the room. His co-workers have stated that he could always be counted on to do his job, provide a helping hand and always make people feel better after talking to him. Pedro retired from LTV in 1993 at the age of 64 with 37 years of service. Pedro was very active in the church. He was a member of the Legion of Mary at All Saints Church in Hammond, IN and participated in many prayer services, International Rosary Marches, performed countless hospital and home visitations where he comforted the sick and consoled the family He was a good samaritan and had that special quality of being unselfish, patient, and heartwarming. His strong devotion to faith, family, community and work was non-stop. After retirement, he moved to Powell, OH. There he was a parishioner of St. Peter Church in Columbus, OH where he continued to be active with the church and practice his good samaritan deeds. Pedro was quite a skillful poem writer. Every birthday, anniversary, or holiday he would send out a greeting card to family members. Each card contained one of his funny poems that was uniquely tailored to the individual. He was also a jokester telling endless stories that would bring tears of laughter to your eyes. He had his book of jokes that he would take with him just to make sure he had plenty of ammo to keep the party going. He would also rate his jokes just to make sure he would improve on it the next time he told it. Not only did he write funny poems and tell jokes, he also made up some hilarious rhyming musical songs. He entertained us all with his out-of-tune vocal cords. Sometimes he’d hit a home-run other times a strike-out, but regardless, he managed to turn that strike-out into an ovation full of waves, claps, and cheers. He loved watching the Chicago Cubs, car racing, wrestling, action movies, documentaries, and of course the televised religious services. Every once in a while, he would sneak in the cooking channel just to give you that “hint-hint”. He had a special way of showing his appreciation when someone would compliment him or give a helping hand: he would smile, extend his arm for a hand shake, bow his head while saying “Oh thank you, thank you, thank you very much” with a sprinkling of “God Bless You” He was a simple man who found enjoyment and relaxation working in his garden, doing his best at being a handy-man, crossword puzzles, grilling for the summer cook-outs, shopping for those buy-one-get-one-free sales, and many more. He enjoyed, sharing life experiences, his faith in God, commitment to his family, and ability to make us feel special. It was customary for Pedro to give his family a blessing at the beginning and end of each day. He was a religious man who prayed and went church daily. When he was unable to go, he watched the mass on television. He was undoubtedly an amazing man who inspired and touched the many lives of those who called him Mr. Pena, Pedro, Pete, Pejín, Papá, Papí, Daddy-O, and Pops. He leaves behind a beautiful bouquet of memories that will be forever lasting in our hearts. The family would like to thank the medical team at Ohio Health Hospice-Kobacker House, especially his nurse Katie and home health aide Mary for their dedication and compassionate care. Pedro is preceded in death by his daughter Elizabeth “Liz” Pena of Heinzerling in Grove City, Ohio and grandson Christopher Leyva of Phoenix, Arizona. Pedro is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Armanda Pena; children, Nelson Pena of Griffith, Indiana, Evelyn “Jodi” Pena of Heinzerling in Grove City, Ohio, Miriam (Todd) Wright of Port Orange, Florida, Gloria (Roberto) Leyva of Delaware, Ohio, and Nancy (Vinnie) Hac of Crown Point, Indiana; grandchildren, Stephanie (Stephen) Seyfried of Hilliard, Ohio, Lauren Trzeciak of Augusta, Georgia, Jessica Trzeciak of Turlock, California, Emily Trzeciak of Boynton Beach, Florida, Rebecca Trzeciak of Port Orange, Florida, Christopher Guevara of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Dominic Guevara of Valparaiso, Indiana; and great-grandchildren, Elena and Alex Seyfried of Hilliard, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Pedro’s name to Kobacker House/ Ohio Health Hospice (foundation.ohiohealth.com) or Heinzerling Memorial Foundation (heinzerling.org). Monday June 12, at 10 AM, visitation will be held at Saint Peter Roman Catholic Church: 6899 Smoky Row Rd, Columbus, OH 43235. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated following visitation at 11 AM.

Pedro Pena

January 19, 1929 - June 6, 2023