Ben Gilbert Peña would have been pleased to know that he left this world peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, Veteran's Day. Ben was born on August 19, 1938, in San Jose, New Mexico. His family moved from Albuquerque to Los Angeles when Ben was six. A U.S. Army veteran, he served at Special Troops Headquarters in Heidelberg, Germany, from 1960—1962. After he was honorably discharged, he made his home in California.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Buenaventura Peña and Adela Gonzales Peña; his brother-in-law, Sal Mancillas; and his niece, Vivian Carrera. He is survived by his wife, Veronica Berg Romero of Cleveland, New Mex. He is also survived by his twin sons, Chris Peña (Trabuco Canyon, Calif.) and Mark Peña (Orange, Calif.) and daughters, Kari Peña (Las Vegas, Nevada) and Vanessa Romero (Fullerton, Calif.); granddaughters—Valene Herndon (Robert), (Corona, Calif.); Arlene Olvera (Fullerton, Calif.); and great-granddaughter Riley Herndon. He is also survived by his sisters Sally Mancillas and her family and Pat and Armand (brother-in-law) Navarro (Montebello, Calif.). Other family members include the John Paul Berg family from Mora and Albuquerque, New Mex., and California. Ben leaves behind many close business associates and friends.

Ben graduated from Garfield High School in Los Angeles and later earned an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration from East Los Angeles College in 1959. He also took continuing education courses at Cerritos College.

His professional activities included: 1978—1979: President of the East Los Angeles Lions Club; worked for Empire Sales and Marketing and Thunderbird Marketing; 1981: Board Member of the Dairy Deli Bakery Council of Southern California (DDBCSC) and, in 1982, First Vice-President. In December 1979, he was selected the "Big Cheese," an honor given by DDBCSC. Initially, Ben had worked for Alex Foods and Bradshaw Incorporated. In 1982, Ben was also General Manager for Argas Mexican Foods. From 1982 until he retired, Ben worked as a Food Broker. When he retired, he was owner, CEO, and President of Southwest Sales & Marketing, which he had co-founded with his wife, Veronica. The brokerage represented various companies, including Sunsation LLC, El Bravo Spice Co., Avo-King International, Delori Products, and Foster Farms Deli Division.

Ben was active in St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church's program "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" in Whittier, Calif. Upon moving to New Mexico, Ben became a member of St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church in Mora.

Ben's cremains will be interred on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at 1:30 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery. Deacon Arturo Barragan will officiate at the graveside. Honorary pallbearers will include Chris and Mark Peña, Ivan D. Berg (USMC Retired-Master Sergeant), Juan Robledo (USMC Retired-Gunnery Sergeant), Robert Herndon, and Armand Navarro. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a "Celebration of Life" will take place at a later date.

A special note of thanks is given to Ambercare, Las Vegas, New Mex., and the caring staff for its hospice care of Ben in Cleveland, New Mex. Thanks also go out to St. Gertrude's Fr. Paul Grala, S.O.L.T., for his anointing, prayers and blessings. A special "Thank you" is extended to Rogers Mortuary and their staff for their care and professionalism. In lieu of flowers, Ben would have wanted family and friends to donate to Veteran's organizations of their choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary 600 Reynolds Ave Las Vegas, NM 87701