Oct. 30, 1947 Dec. 9, 2025
Israel “Roy, Izzy, Dad, Poppy” Peña, 78, passed away on Dec. 9, 2025, while holding the hand of his devoted wife. Born on Oct 30, 1947, in San Antonio, Texas, Israel lived by his values of creativity, hard work, generosity, and devotion to his family Israel is survived by his wife of 56 years, Tricia; his children, Kimberly, Adrianne and husband Sam, Sally; his grandchildren, Sterling, Brandon, Eric, Kennedy, Enzo; an aunt and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ramiro and Zulema Peña; aunts, uncles and cousins.
After he was born, Israel’s parents brought him home to a farm in Zuehl, Texas, where they worked as sharecroppers. Israel developed the value of hard work as a young boy by helping his parents on the farm and eventually helping several of his 8 uncles and 5 aunts build their homes.
Israel graduated from Sam Houston High School in San Antonio in 1966. He attended The University of Texas in Austin and became a first-generation graduate in 1971 with a degree in Architecture. As a talented designer and builder, he completed hundreds of homes throughout San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country.
Israel married his wife, Tricia, in 1969, and together they raised three daughters: Kimberly, Adrianne and Sally. As a young family, they spent time with cousins, were very involved with their church, sports and tending to their property.
After college graduation, Israel began working for a builder in San Antonio, where he learned many valuable lessons that he talked about throughout his professional life. He left that company to become an entrepreneur, which is how he continued his career as a Custom Home Designer and Builder. He often became emotional when remembering the early years of his career and the many people who were incredibly generous and supportive.
As a lifelong learner, Israel joined and participated in professional organizations, and one of the most meaningful of these was the Builder 20-Hammers Group. Israel was one of the founding members of this group and an ongoing member for 50 years. He shared with and learned how to run a custom home building business from these fellow builders around the United States.
These ladies and gentlemen are lifelong mentors and friends, not only to Israel but also his family.
Israel was a respected community leader in San Antonio and Boerne. He served on several committees at his church and The Planning and Zoning Commission for the city of Boerne.
He served on many Advisory Boards and Board of Directors including: The National Association of Home Builders, Schreiner University, Frost Bank, The Trust Company and Sonora Bank. He also served as President/Chair of The Greater San Antonio Builders Association, The BISD School Board and Builder 20-Hammers Group.
Throughout his life, Israel found several ways to have fun and enjoy the people around him. He grew up watching his father and uncles play baseball. He began to play when he was 14 and continued through high school, as a shortstop and 3rd baseman. He enjoyed coaching his daughter’s soft ball leagues, hosting church games in the field and watching the professionals play on TV.
Israel also raised longhorn cattle on his property in Boerne, eagerly involving his family and friends. He grew his herd to over 35 head, which he said justified each purchase of his beloved John Deere tractors. A few longhorns became pets and now hang on the wall or cover the floor of our homes.
Israel was able to personally express his artistic nature by designing and building his very own remarkably detailed wood working shop, where he collected tools and tried new techniques. He also created a stunning model train system with tracks, detailed landscape and townscapes, again eagerly involving his family and friends.
On the porch or around the table, Israel told stories, filling generations with memories, laughter, wisdom and so much love.
His family invites all who knew him to celebrate his life on Dec. 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. at The First United Methodist Church in Boerne.
Donations can be made to: The Boerne Education Foundation for The Architectural Design Pathway Program, In Honor of Israel Peña, Boerne Education Foundation, 235 Johns Road, Boerne, Texas 78006, 830-357-2008. https://boerneeducationfoundation. givingfuel.com To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.ebensberger- fisher.com.
— PAID OBITUARY —
Comment
Comments