Pena, Albert Frank

Albert F. Pena, 90 years of age, departed peacefully to a new life with our Lord Jesus Christ on January 9, 2017. Albert was born in 1926 in Rincones, NM to Andres Pena and the former Octaviana Larranaga.

He was raised in Rincones and Encino, NM where he attended school. He graduated from Encino High School in April of 1943, and entered the US Army in July 1943 where he served his country loyally and faithfully during WWII and always proclaiming how proud he was to be an American. He served in Germany, Austria, France and many other European countries and participated in the Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944. Upon his return statewide, he continued his higher education under the GI Bill graduating from NM Highlands University with a BA in 1952. In 1962 he received his Masters of Art degree from NM Western College in Silver City, NM.

Albert spent his life as an educator, working in various school districts throughout NM as a teacher, principal and superintendent. He believed greatly in the value of education.

He married Elvira Lucero on August 16, 1948 and they were married for 61 years until her death in 2009. Their main town of residence was Vaughn, NM until 1969 after which they moved to various other locations where ever his school administrative jobs took him. After working for 35 years he retired and lived in Los Lunas and Albuquerque where he loved to go to the casinos and after the death of his wife moved in with his son in the Taos area.

Albert was preceded in death by his wife, Elvira Pena; daughter, Priscilla Garcia; sisters, Carolina Tenorio, Lupe Tapia, Rita Romero and brother, Cipriano Pena.

He is survived by son, Arturo Pena and wife, Edna of Des Montes in Taos, NM and daughter, Yvonne Chisholm and husband, Ken of Lake Mary, Florida; sisters, Brijida Felix, Helen Garcia and husband Tony and Carmen Montano and brother, Andy Pena and wife, Mercedes. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Mary Carrasco. Albert is also survived by grandchildren, Janell Pena-Farwell, Therese Garcia, Steven Garcia, Michelle PenaGriego, Jessica Frasier, Jimmy Pena and Randall Pena. Survivors include several greatgrandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, many nephews and nieces and other relatives.

Cremation has taken place and services will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date.