The most intelligent, loving, fly by the seat of your pants kind of guy, went home to our Lord on 8/22/20. Gilberto Peña, age 93, born in the month of April, passed at his home in Portsmouth, VA, with his family by his side.

A native of Encrucijada Cuba, he was born to Enrique Peña and Dulce Gómez. In 1959, he married the love of his life, Maria Teresa de los Angeles Ruiz, who preceded him in death. They were together 61 years.  Also preceding him in death was his only son, Gilberto who died at birth.

Gilberto attended medical school in Cuba, finishing his studies in Spain. His wife, a registered nurse, worked hard to help him attain his dream of becoming a doctor.  He also spent time teaching children how to speak English. In 1960, they emigrated to the United States.

Gilberto was an accomplished physician in the states of Illinois, Michigan and Florida, retiring after many years in practice. Well loved by his patients, he was invited to birthdays and other celebrations because they wanted to share their joy with him. What an honor it was to see some of his patients continue their care with him when they also moved to Florida.

Gilberto was an avid reader.  He enjoyed fishing, listening to music, playing dominoes, and could complete crossword puzzles like a champ. He was as spontaneous as they come, quite comfortable in his shoes when it came to being funny. Whether it was his saltshaker and spoon trick, (seated at a restaurant I might add), taking hilarious pictures with silly props, or dancing while flapping his arms like a chicken, he sure left behind some of the most beautiful and entertaining memories for us to remember him by.

Gilberto is survived by his three daughters, Maria Teresa, Beatriz and Lourdes; eight grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Orlanda, and other nieces and nephews.

An 11AM memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 05, 2020 at Saint Paul's Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Virginia.  Entombment will take place at a later date in Sunset Memory Gardens, Tampa, Florida. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.