Vigil, Monday, April 11, 2016, 7:00 P.M., at Habing Family Funeral Home. Funeral Mass, Tuesday, April 12, 2016, 1:00 P.M., at St. Mary’s Church. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Condolences at www.habingfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Miguel Peña passed away on April 6, 2016, at his home, at the age of 86.
He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 58 years, Margarita Peña. Caring and supportive father to Sylvia Peña, David Peña, and Samuel Peña. Loving grandfather to Amanda Graves, Michael Peña, Frances Peña, David Peña, and Samantha Peña. Preceded in death by his son, Mike Peña.
Miguel was born in Tamaulipas, Mexico on August 24, 1929.
He came to the United States in search of a better life. He worked the fields in Texas, Arizona, and California.
In 1955, Miguel and his wife, Margarita decided to make Gilroy, CA their home. They stayed in Gilroy for 44 years.
He worked 14 years with Atlas Pools in Gilroy. He would talk about when he and his co-workers built the pool of singer Paul Anka. He would show off the autographed albums he received from Mr. Anka.
The owner of the company retired and Miguel went on to work for Piazza Construction in San Jose, CA
He was proud of being a member of the Laborers union local 270. He put in 27 years with the Union and received a full pension.
He would often say he did pretty good for himself for coming to the United States with no education and not knowing English. He relocated to Los Banos, CA in 1999 and lived there for 17 years.
He enjoyed singing, reading and going to the horse races. In retirement, he looked forward to going to the casino and playing the slots. He also enjoyed to watch boxing and baseball.
His Saturday nights were spent watching “Sabado Gigante ” with his wife.
