Raul "Roy" Pena Jr

Raul (Roy) Peña, Jr.
1949-2017

Commissioner Raul (Roy) Peña, Jr. age 67 passed away unexpectedly surrounded by his beloved family at Starr County Memorial Hospital in Rio Grande City, Texas, on June 17, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born in Roma, Texas on August 11, 1949 to Raul and Minerva R. Peña. Roy, as he was known to family and friends, attended the Roma School District. After high school, he attended Pan American University where he met the love of his life, Lucila Trevino. They both graduated from the university on May 1972 and married on October 27, 1973.

Raul began his teaching career at Roma I.S.D. in 1972. He then went on to teach at La Joya I.S.D. for three years. His political career began after his mother sadly passed away, and he committed himself to finishing his mother's term as Justice of the Peace as well as teaching. He continued serving his community as JP Precinct 2 for 21 years. Raul also owned and operated Roma Motor Mart. In 1998, he ran for Starr County Commissioner Precinct 2 and won the election. He currently held that position. Although he accomplished many projects for the county, his greatest achievements were the developments of Starr County Memorial and Veterans Memorial Cemeteries.

Raul was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Priscilla P. Sandoval and Elsa Nora Perez, and by his brother Ricardo I. Peña.
Left to cherish his memories is his beloved wife Lucila T. Peña, son Raul Peña III (Ana Meliza), and daughter, Monica Dolores Peña. His beloved grandchildren, Analiza Peña, Yamil E. Gonzalez and Raul Peña IV.
His sisters, Maria Teresa Peña (Jose Luis) and Marie Bernadette Peña.

Raul was a wonderful, devoted, dedicated and loving father, husband, and grandfather. He was a great mentor, leader, and example to friends, workers, and anyone who met him. He leaves a legacy of respectability, fairness, and devotion to God and family.

Visitation started on Monday, June 19, 2017 from 12:00-9:00 p.m. rosary was recited at 7:00 p.m. at Sanchez Memorial Funeral Home in Roma-Los Saenz, Texas. Visitation will continue today Tuesday, June 20, 2017 from 9-10:30a.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church in Roma, Texas. Burial will follow at Starr County Memorial Cemetery in Fronton, Texas.

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