Today, we gather with heavy hearts, yet deep gratitude, to honor and celebrate the life of our beloved Juan Newson “Juanito” to those who knew and loved him best.

Juanito was born on January 21, 1975, and was called home on March 25, 2026. Though his time with us feels far too brief, the impact of his life will endure in the hearts of all who knew him. He leaves behind his cherished daughter, Patricia Newson Garcia, his beloved granddaughter, Luna Garcia. He is also survived by his brothers, Ernesto Peña and Jessie Peña, his sisters, Lucia Reyes, Yolanda Montelongo, Olga Peña, Sulema Escamilla and Yolanda Lujan.

Juanito is now reunited in eternal peace with those who went before him: his loving Grandparents Amelia and Alvino Peña; his father, Juan Peña; his brothers Alvino Peña and Rosendo Peña; sisters Petra Castereno and Rosie Montelongo. We take comfort in knowing that he is once again embraced by their love.

Those who knew Juanito understand the profound influence his grandparents, Mommy and Poopy had on his life. They loved him unconditionally, raising and guiding him as if he were their own son. When Mommy passed, Juanito experienced a loss that deeply shook him. It was a heartbreak that changed the course of his life. And yet, even through his most difficult moments, he demonstrated a remarkable resilience. Juanito possessed a quiet strength the ability to endure, to rise again, and to continue forward no matter how heavy the burden. That strength was a defining part of who he was.

He was a man full of life’s simple pleasures. He loved his music it was the soundtrack to his days, a constant companion through both good times and hard ones. He had a way of finding joy in the moment, appreciating life in his own unique and unfiltered way. And above all else, his love for his daughter Patricia never wavered. Even in his final days, he spoke often of how much he wanted to reunite with her and meeting his granddaughter. His love for them was unwavering, profound, and everlasting.

Juanito also gave us moments of laughter that will live on forever. His humor, his personality, and his bold spirit created memories that continue to bring smiles even through tears. Our cousin kristy is going to miss her walking partner when they would go buy their pimp juice together hahaha. A memory that Tio Chuy has is when the time Juanito insisted on calling Tia Sulema “Cuz,” over and over knowing damn well it would provoke a reaction from her he didnt care they ended up fist fighting Tio Chuy said it was a funny fight I wonder who won that fight someone finally stood up to Tia Sulema . And then there are the memories that speak to his adventurous spirit, like the day Juanito went out with Yolanda and our cousin Sammy on one of their daily routine trash digging . What began as a simple trip quickly turned into a story that has lived on in family laughter for years They decided they were going to go trash digging for cans for Mommy and some how Yolanda ended up with a flat tire, a trip to the store and to take it upon themselves to steal a tire tub and then end up getting caught, and a frantic escape that left Juanito behind, only to be retrieved later. Sammy and Yolanda ran for their lives to go tell Mommy and Poppy that Juanito had got caught stealing imagine how that went for all of them . There are also memories marked by sorrow moments that shaped Juanito in profound ways. After the passing of his Mommy, he left the state and was gone for many years. Yet life, in its own way, brought him back. When his father passed, Juanito returned to reunite with his family, choosing to remain close to those who loved him. He found a home with Tía Lucia and her family, where he was embraced not only as a nephew, but as a brother the baby of the family, deeply loved and fiercely protected. Tía Lucia will miss him walking in the door, gifting her flowers occasionally, sometimes a handful of goodies. He would always remind her how grateful and thankful he was for her opening up the doors to her house, finally giving him a home, and reminded her how much he loved her.

Juanito’s life was not without its challenges, but it was filled with love, perseverance, and moments of joy that will never be forgotten. He was resilient, caring, and full of character a man who lived life on his own terms, yet never lost sight of the people he loved most.

Though we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind in his daughter, his granddaughter, and in every story, every laugh, and every memory we carry with us. His spirit remains alive in all of us.

Juanito will be missed beyond measure, but he will never be forgotten.

Rest peacefully, Juanito. You are reunited now with Mommy and Poppy. May you find the peace that eluded you here, wrapped in the love that has always surrounded you.

We love you always and forever.