Mario Peña

Mario Peña

03/08/1959 to 09/06/2021

Mario Peña, passed away on September 6, 2021. Most who know Mario knew him as Don Mario, dueño de Gordo’s, but he was so much more than that. He was a devoted husband of 31 years, a loving father of five children, and “abuelo” of grandchildren who loved him dearly.

He was born March 8, 1959, in Baytown, Texas. He was the first-born son of Guadalupe Hinojosa Peña and Jose G Peña. He is survived by his wife, Esmeralda G Peña and children, Laura Ann Rivas, Pedro F Cisneros, Mark Anthony Cisneros, Krystal Marie Melchor, Eric G Peña and 12 grandchildren. He was the oldest of seven brothers and sisters and survived by Mike Cruz Peña, Ana Marie Rangel’s children, Joe Jr. Peña, Teresa Ann Casco, Elvira Maria Valencia, and Richard Peña.

He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Texas. Soon after became a foreman at United States Steel, from where he retired after 36 years. Since 1993 he had been a resident of Homewood, Alabama. He was the owner of the local tienda mexicana Gordo’s located in Homewood, that was opened in 2001 and a pioneer for upcoming Hispanic owned businesses.

His most joyous memories were made traveling and spending time with his family and friends at his ranch and like his father, an avid Dallas Cowboy fan. His hard work and love for serving his family, friends and community left a legacy that impacted generations.

A Visitation will be held on Sunday September 12, 2021, from 4:00pm to 6:00pmCST at Currie Jefferson Funeral Home in Hoover and a Formal Funeral Service will be held Monday September 13, 2021, at 4:00pmCST at Church of the Highlands-Riverchase Campus in Pelham with Pastor Jeff Gilliam officiating.