Obituary of Allen Donald De La Pena

Allen Donald De La Pena, aged 58, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, January 10, 2012, at home in Santa Cruz, California after a lengthy battle with cancer. His family was by his side. Allen Donald De La Pena was born in Watsonville, California on July 4th, to John and Charlotte De La Pena and he attended school in Watsonville, California. Allen worked in the logging industry for Scarborough Lumber and owned A& J excavating and landscaping business with his brother John De La Pena. Most recently Allen was employed at Rossi Towing & Body Shop with the Rossi family. One might have called him an"Allen of all trades" as he filled so many different functions of the business. Most of all, he was a valued asset to the team and a mentor to many. Allen will be remembered as a kind and generous man. He was a friend, father, grandfather and brother. He was a warm and loving partner to Judy. He was always there when his family and friends needed him. One of Allen's favorite things to do was drive. Allen would drive anything be it car, truck, his Harley Davidson motorcycle, tractor, or a forklift. If it had a motor he would drive it. He also loved all things NASCAR and Reno's casinos. Allen was survived by his loving partner, Judy Rossi; his children Shannon Cassero, Kerri De La Pena; also Judy's children Valerie Stark, Yvette Rossi, Melissa Rossi, Mark Rossi, and Nicole Hawkins. His grandchildren Denise Rossi, Violet Delcarmen, Allen Moreno, Esperanza Moreno, Ruben Delcarmen Jr. , Isaac Moreno, and Noe Anuriao; father, John De La Pena; brothers John De La Pena Jr., David De La Pena, Rick De La Pena, Jeffrey De La Pena, and Daniel De La Pena; and many beloved nieces, and nephews. Allen was predeceased by his mother Charlotte De La Pena and brother Arthur De La Pena. The family also would like to offer a warm thank you to Dr. Glenn Wong and staff at PAMF for the quality and compassionate care over the last three years. They would also like to thank the staff at Santa Cruz Hospice and a special thank you to Amy Hart for her words of support during Allen's final hours. Services will be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at Holy Cross Cemetery, 2271 Seventh Avenue, Santa Cruz at 2:30. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of Santa Cruz in Allen's memory would be preferred. The joy of life that Allen shared will be greatly missed by family and friends.