Jose Felipe de la Pena

Noted sculptor, former Oxnard Community College dean, Moorpark Community College counselor and Navy veteran José de la Peña passed away July 2 at his Ventura home after an eight-month struggle with pancreatic cancer. He was 74.

Born Dec. 2, 1935 in Mirando City, TX, the second of four children, to José Miguel and Ramona de la Peña, he moved as a child with his family first to nearby Oilton and then to Laredo. There he was graduated by St. Joseph's Academy, afterward joining the Navy, where he served as an aircraft mechanic on the USS Hancock during the Korean War. Later, he attended Loyola University in New Orleans and then Texas A & I University in Kingsville, TX, where he earned a BS degree in secondary education.

In 1967 he moved to California and received his MA degree in education from San Jose State University. He completed his studies with an ABD in confluent education from UC Santa Barbara.

His career in education spans 32 years, first teaching art and Spanish during the 1960s in Ukiah, at one time directing the first bilingual program in California. On June 19, 1971 José married Karen Zunino and they had two sons, Alex and Damian.

Jose’s first college position was in San Bernardino where he was a counselor and directed financial aid at San Bernardino Valley College. The family moved to Ventura in 1975 when Jose became one of the founding faculty of Oxnard College. He later became a Dean, an Acting Vice President, finally retiring from Moorpark College in 1997.

It was then that José pursued his passion and dream of being an artist/sculptor. His pieces have been exhibited, acclaimed and have won first place prizes in local and regional competitions. Over the past 30 years José was an active genealogist and has published 20 books on his family’s history in south Texas. Recently, he was honored with the title of "Hidalgo" by the Bexar County Historical Commission for his contribution to family history in south Texas. His vast research is a part of university and private collections.

"José always looked for the beauty within people, art and history," says Karen. "His influence on students is vast, and I think his family history contribution is enormous, and the beauty of his art will endure."

Preceded in death by his son, Damian, José is survived by wife, Karen and son Alex (Janelle); children from his first marriage, Michael; Leila Lamun (Steve); Adriana Ene (Telly); Mark; sister Rose Warthen (Carlos); brother, Javier; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews; countless friends.

Funeral service will be held 10 a.m., Friday, July 9 at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Interment will follow at Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Damian de la Peña Scholarship Fund,

Ventura College Foundation, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, Ventura. Condolences may be left at www.tedmayrfuneralhome.com.