Ernesto Peña, a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Doctor Coss, Nuevo León, México, on November 7, 1936, Ernesto lived a life full of love, devotion, and integrity. As a young man, Ernesto journeyed with his father and brothers from Texas to Michigan, driving long hours to work in the agricultural fields. That early experience of labor and sacrifice left a lasting impression on him, forming the foundation of his enduring work ethic. After his time in Michigan, he moved to California, where he continued working in the fields picking grapes in Selma before eventually settling in Oakdale with his beloved wife, Olga.
Oakdale would become their lifelong home, where they raised a family and built a life filled with love, hard work, and cherished memories. He later had a long and steady career as a forklift operator at Hunt’s Cannery/Conagra, where he was respected for his reliability, dedication, and quiet professionalism. He took great pride in his work and the friendships he made along the way. A deeply religious man, Ernesto was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oakdale for over 55 years. His faith was the foundation of his life. Every morning, he began his day with journaling, daily devotionals, and televised church services. His unwavering devotion to his faith was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. In his free time, Ernesto enjoyed watching soccer games and boxing matches, always looking forward to time spent with family – especially during the holidays and birthdays, which were his favorite celebrations. His passion for gardening was evident in the vibrant life he cultivated in his backyard. Ernesto lovingly cared for his fruit trees – persimmons, oranges, and avocados – as well as his homegrown tomatoes and chilies. He found great joy in sharing the fruits of his labor with family, neighbors, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Olga Peña, and is survived by his adult children: Veronica Peña, Susana Navarro, Ernesto Peña Jr., and Amanda Aldrich. He was a proud grandfather to 12 grandchildren – Vanessa Tello, Briana Tello, Miranda Peña, Isaac Peña, Jasmin Navarro, Jessica Navarro, Kalissa Navarro, Jayden Navarro, Noah Aldrich, Mateo Aldrich, and Emerson Aldrich – and two great-grandchildren, Camila and Luisa Guerrero, who brought him immense joy. Ernesto’s kindness, strong faith, and deep love for his family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A viewing will be held at Lakewood Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, June 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a rosary at 6 p.m. Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, June 5 at St. Frances of Rome in Riverbank at 10 a.m. Burial at Lakewood to follow mass.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
June 4, 2025
