George David Peña (1944 -2021)

George David Peña, 76, of Encinitas, California, passed away on Saturday, January 9th, 3:30 pm at Scripps Hospital from COVID-19 bi-lateral pneumonia.

George was born in Los Angeles, California to George and Dolores Peña on Sept 16, 1944. George attended and graduated from Montebello High School where he was Class President with athletic talents unmatched. George was Athlete of the Year lettering in Baseball, Football, and Basketball. He graduated in 1963 to sign with the Los Angeles Angels and thereby began his 12-year Professional Baseball career to include the NY Yankees. George enlisted in the United States Marines and was on Active Reserve from 1965 - 1971. He met and married Anita Warren (1970 -1980) and had two beautiful children together.

Once retiring from Baseball, George went onto become a Tennis Professional and played continuously until 2013 when diagnosed with Lewy Bodies Dementia eventually losing his ability to walk thereby having to give up his love for tennis. George saw the beauty in each day and made every person he encountered feel special and known. He was an amazing devoted father, big brother to be admired, faithful son, and loyal friend. George lived for his kids and adored his large extended family, connecting through his weekly phone calls. He was an avid Padres fan and enjoyed watching and talking sports. George enjoyed reading, geography, history, and travel which he was able to do throughout his career. 

 George was a devout Catholic and lived by God’s love and daily prayer.

He is survived by his former wife Anita Williams, children Rene Fleming, Ryan Peña, sister Linda Larsen, spouse Phil Larsen, brother, Greg Peña, spouse, Cathy Pena, nieces, and nephews; Nicole Smith, Michael Keehan, Monique Malhum, Billy Peña, Brendan Peña, Tori Sullivan along with their spouses and children and many Guerrero + Peña cousins, aunts and uncles.

 George today is pain-free in heaven surrounded by his parents and our beautiful Lord.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, your generous gifts be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Foundation. There will be a service and celebration of life this upcoming Spring when we can safely gather together. 

If you would like to email Renefleming@gmail.com with your name and mailing address, the family will contact you with future details.