Dr. Francisco José Peña

Francisco José Peña March 16, 1977 – January 12, 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Francisco José Peña, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Frank passed away on January 12, 2025 at the age of 47. Born on March 16, 1977, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Frank was the son of Herb and Myrna Peña. He is survived by his loving wife, Darlene, and their five children: Joseph, Elizabeth, Lydia, Thomas, and Julia. Frank is also survived by his cherished sisters, María Teresa Peña-Acosta and Ana María Jaramillo, as well as his extended family and many dear friends. Frank was a dedicated and passionate man who pursued excellence in both his personal and professional life. After attending Florida International University, the University of Miami, and the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, he earned his MD and spent his career making a difference in the lives of others. A man of deep faith, Frank was an active member of the Catholic Churches of St. John Neumann and Sacred Heart in South Florida where he served the Lord through music, playing drums and singing in the choir since he was 12 years old. Frank had a profound love for history, including biblical history and medieval history. He loved ships, submarines, armor, and weaponry. He also studied and practiced judo and fencing, and his inquisitive mind led him to explore a variety of other interests including music (he had a minor in percussion from FIU), drawing, writing stories, and, most recently, Hebrew. He was also an excellent teacher. His greatest joy was found in serving the Lord and spending time with his family. Frank loved inventing imaginative games for his children, often creating entire new worlds for them to explore together. He even invented whole new languages with his eldest daughter, Elizabeth, for a story series she began writing a few years ago. He loved watching TV shows and movies with his loving wife, Darlene, and the children. Often, he and Darlene would pick the same show or movie to watch before they even talked about it. Such was their deep and profound connection. His creativity, humor, and boundless love will forever be remembered by those fortunate enough to have known him. Frank’s legacy will live on through the love he shared with his family and his unwavering devotion to the Lord. He was a true servant of God, and his faith guided him throughout his life. The family will receive friends at Rose Mortuary - Mann at 6:00pm on Thursday, January 30, 2025. Prayer and Worship Service to begin at 7:30pm. A funeral Mass will be held at The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in Knoxville, TN at 1:30pm on January 31, 2025. Family and friends will then travel in procession to Edgewood Cemetery for the interment. Reception to follow at Sacred Heart Cathedral Hall. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Meal Train for Peña Family: https://mealtrain.com/gdrm33 He will be deeply missed, but his spirit, love, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Tributes

Dr. Francisco José Peña

March 16, 1977 - January 12, 2025