Angelita Pena

Angelita "Lita" De Leon Peña passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025 in Jersey City, NJ, surrounded by her loving family.

Lita was born in Bataan, Philippines, on April 11, 1947, to Honorato and Jovita De Leon. She grew up in Naga City, Camarines Sur, before eventually settling in Jersey City, where she spent most of her life.

A woman of remarkable dedication, Lita built a distinguished career in corporate finance, with over 25 years of experience working at Citibank, The Bank of New York Mellon, US Bank, State Street Bank, and Philippine National Bank. Her expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence earned her deep respect in the financial sector.

Beyond her career, Lita was a passionate community leader, dedicating much of her life to advocacy and service. She held numerous leadership roles, including President of the Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc., President of the Bicolandia National Association of America (BNAA), PWU (Philippine Women's University Alumni) and Director of the Jersey City Training & Development Center. She also played a vital role in many cultural and charitable organizations, including PAFCOM, the Philippine Independence Day Council, and the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Devotees Association.

Her tireless service was recognized with numerous accolades, including the 2006 Women of Action Award, the 2010 Mabuhay Award, and the 2003 Outstanding Community Leader Award. Yet, more than the awards, it was the lives she touched that defined her true impact.

Lita will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to helping others. She loved bowling, volunteering, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends. Her generous spirit and radiant smile brought joy to all who knew her.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Eufronio "Peng" Peña; their loving children, Eduardo Peña, married to Marsha Rafanan; Ysadora Peña Clarin, married to Alan Clarin; and Eric Peña, married to Ivy Damian. She was the cherished Lola Litz to her beloved grandchildren: Alexa, Jonah, Aivery, Drew, Jaxsen, William, Dex, and Zoe. She was also a beloved sister to Remy Castro, Alice Bongat, Honorato De Leon, Doris De Leon, Chito De Leon, Francis Gabriel, and Lorna Ortiz.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Riotto Funeral Home. For GPS, please use the parking lot entrance at 14 Stagg Street, Jersey City, NJ 07306. Funeral services will begin on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 9:00 AM at the funeral home, followed by a 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Victories Church, Jersey City. Entombment will take place at Holy Name Mausoleum, Jersey City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lita’s memory to Handang Tumulong Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Lita’s life was a testament to love, faith, and service, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.