Nestor "Papa" Pena

Nestor Pena, “Papa” passed away in Roseville, California on August 11, 2025, after only 6 days in the hospital with an aggressive form of lymphoma. He was 84 years old. A man known by many names: Copper to his siblings, Louie to some he coached, but once he had grandchildren "Papa" stuck. Nes was born in Silver City, New Mexico, the 4th of 10 children and two half-siblings. He played in the same streets and creek beds (Big Ditch Park) of Silver City as Billy the Kid. He attended Bishop High School near Mammoth Mountain and served 3 years in the Army in Germany and France. As a young man he worked at Davis-Monthon AFB in Tucson, Arizona, dismantling aircraft before moving to the bay area where he worked at Standard Oil. In his late 30’s, he moved to Citrus Heights and worked at McClellan AFB as an aircraft sheetmetal worker before capitalizing on his computer experience as an instructor. He was able to retire from the Department of Defense at McClellan AFB when it closed. While working at the Base, Papa agreed to coach a softball team of employees. He coached these “Bad News Bears” into a winning season. A few years later, he was assisting the Mesa Verde High School Coaches with Football and Baseball. Papa eventually became the head coach for Freshman baseball and then girls softball. He ended his coaching career at 80 years of age, as the Head Baseball Coach for the Mira Loma High School program. Papa was also an avid bowler and was on a traveling team. He was a pool shark, which ran in the family and he loved his trips to Reno. Papa had the biggest of hearts, truly a one of a kind husband, father, grandfather, brother, coach and friend! He lived to help others, always there exactly when needed. Throughout his life, Papa stood up for the bullied, cared for young children and helped to instill values in the teens he coached. He loved his furry friends as much as anyone. He and mom adopted the dogs and puppies that other family members could no longer care for. Papa would also come to the rescue whenever needed. Not only did he advocate for his kids and grandkids when they were injured, at the Emergency Room or in the hospital, but he was also a jack of all trades. Papa could fix anything. He helped his step-son Steve build his house; built fences, decks, and a playhouse; he tiled floors and bathrooms, taught his grandsons how to care for their cars and even taught them how to drive his truck when they were way too young! Nes’ step-son Steve Coffey; daughter-in-law Karen Pena; grandson Justin Palace and siblings: Tencha, Isabel, Albert, Richard, Alma and Bobbie preceded him in death. Nes leaves behind his loving wife of 40 years, Gail (nee Fink); son John Pena, Step-daughter and son-in-law, Mechelle (Shelly) and David Palace; daughter-in-law, Catherine Coffey; granddaughters: Khylia (Justin Tiffany), Brianna (Troy Lawson), Tara Palace, Sarah Palace and Vanessa (Hans Slade); Grandsons Nick Barney and Braeden Pena; and five great-grandchildren: Skyler Pena; Hansie, Jr., and Thomas Slade; and Izzy and Ivy Palace. He also leaves behind his brothers and sisters: Basil and Faye Pena; David and Diane Pena; Randy Pena; Teresa and Dennis Schults; and Anita, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends from all stages of his life. Papa may be gone, but the memory of “the man, the myth and the legend” will always live on in our hearts. We will be celebrating his life at Murray Family Funeral Chapel in Rocklin, CA, with a viewing on Friday, August 22nd from 3 to 6 pm, followed by a service on Saturday, August 23rd at 11:00 am. Internment will be on Monday, August 25th at 10:00 am with an Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, a donation to your local SPCA in Nes’ (Papa’s) memory would be appreciated. There will be a luncheon following the service.

Nestor "Papa" Pena

March 17, 1941 - August 11, 2025