Obituary of Martin Ragusin Pena, Jr.

Martin Ragusin Pena Jr. died on Friday, the 30th of August 2024 in his home with his family by his side. He was 86 years old.

Martin was born in Aransas Pass, Texas and was raised in Rockport, a small shrimping community in the Coastal Bend Region of Texas. Martin graduated from Rockport Fulton High School in 1956. After earning an associate degree from Del Mar Junior College, Martin received a bachelor's degree in secondary education in 1960 and later a master's degree and high school principal certification from Texas A&I University and superintendent certification from Pan American University.

Martin embarked on his career in education in 1960 as a faculty member with the Edcouch-Elsa Independent School District, and over the next seven years, he taught both there and in the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD; in 1966, he moved into administration in the Edcouch-Elsa school district, where he served as an assistant principal, as assistant superintendent, and as director of federal programs, and between 1971 and 1973, he held the posts of principal, director of federal programs, and assistant superintendent in Mercedes ISD.

After serving as deputy executive director for the Region One Educational Service Center and as assistant and deputy superintendent of PSJA ISD, Mr. Peña became superintendent of Point Isabel ISD in 1976; he took office as superintendent of Los Fresnos CISD in 1989, in 1995 he returned to his post as superintendent in Point Isabel for another 5 years and then retired from campus based public school education.

Ever dedicated to the cause of public education Martin began consulting for the Region One Educational Service Center soon after his first retirement. In this role, he mentored many leaders and school board members throughout the valley. It was while working for the service center that Martin had the idea of assisting the districts at the state level. That said, Martin played a leading role in the creation of the South Texas Association of Schools in 1999 and for 18 years, he led the association as executive director, working tirelessly to promote effective education policy, to advocate for fair and equitable funding, and to champion the interests of schoolchildren throughout South Texas and across the Lone Star State.

In June 2017, Martin’s 2nd retirement drew to a close an outstanding career in education that spanned more than half a century. In all his endeavors, Martin enjoyed the love and support of his late wife of 58 years, Lucila. Together they built a life and a family of 5 children and 8 grandchildren.

Preceding Martin in his death are his wife Lucila and his son Gabriel, his father, Martin Ragusin Pena Sr., his mother Adelida Pena, his sister Lorena Hernandez and his brother David R. Pena.

Martin is survived by his sons Miguel and Roberto and daughters Palmira Chapa and Cecilia and 8 grandchildren: Mario Chapa Jr. Roxanne and Rosanne Chapa, Joey and Mariana Alvarado, Sydney Pena, Maddox Martin and Audriana Pena.

Martin was a member of the Sembradores Unidos for many years. He was also an active member of the board of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Port Isabel. Among the list of honors he received were the Port Isabel South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year and his induction into the Ring of Honor of the City of Palms Coaching Clinic.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday the 8th of September 2024 at five o’clock in the afternoon till 9 o’clock in the evening with the recitation of the holy rosary to begin at seven o’clock Sunday evening at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, TX

The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at eleven o’clock in the morning on Monday, the 9th of September 2024 at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 705 S. Longoria St., Port Isabel, TX 78578. All services will conclude at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you make a donation to the Los Fresnos Education Foundation or the Point Isabel ISD Scholarship Fund. Click here to donate.

You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Martin Ragusin Pena Jr. at www.thomaegarza.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.