Orlando Pena

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend Orlando Ignacio Pena passed away on October 5, 2015. Orlando died after an extremely lengthy illness from congestive heart failure. He put up a courageous fight. He was 81 years old. Orlando was born June 29, 1934 in Santa Fe, New Mexico to Juan and Elvira (Garcia) Pena. He was raised in La Madera, New Mexico. At age 21, he moved to Utah to seek employment. He married the love of his life Rose Lujan. They were married 59 years! Orlando served in the Army during the Korean War Conflict in Seoul, Korea. Orlando retired from Kennecott Copper Mine after 29 dedicated years of service. He was an alumni of the University of Utah.
Orlando’s two favorite passions were his family and Texas Hold’em Poker. His alias was “Joe” to his card playing cronies. He taught his entire family to play “Casino”, he always had the 10 of diamonds. He had the luck of the draw. He loved to tease his children and grandchildren and they all held him in high esteem and loved him dearly. He always liked to travel and camp, and immensely enjoyed family gatherings. His children have many precious memories from Disneyland to Knotts Berry Farm to pulling a trailer up the treacherous roads of Lake Tahoe. His grandchildren loved the family vacation at Yellowstone National Park.
He is survived by his wife: Rose Pena, sons: David Pena, and Marvin (Yolanda) Pena all of West Jordan, UT, daughters: Carrie Gallegos of Albuquerque, NM, and Brenda (Demetrio) Foti of Bountiful, UT, grandchildren: Jeff and Peggy Burke, Cassandra and Nathaniel Pena, Nicholas and Christopher Gallegos, Brittany, Melissa, and Demetrio (DJ) Foti; great grandchildren Kyndra, Tyra, Kayden, and Alyiah Burke. Sisters: Ida Chavez, and Dulcie (Tony) Tafoya all of Albuquerque, brothers: Ernest (Sharon) Pena of Albuquerque, David (Lucy) Pena of Lakewood, CA, Peter (Marcella) Pena of Santa Fe, NM and Floyd (Elizabeth) of Cuba, NM and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents; son in-law Rob Gallegos, great-granddaughter Alliah Rose Burke, and brother in-law Wilfred Chavez
Special thanks to William E. Christofferson SL Veterans Nursing Home and Brighton Hospice for their loving care of Orlando.
Friday, October 9, 2015, viewing from 6-7pm, vigil from 7-8pm at St. Joseph the Worker, 7405 Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT. Mass will be held Saturday, October 10th, 12pm, viewing one hour prior. Interment at Redwood Memorial 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT.