Robert E. "Bob" Peno

Robert E. Peno Senior
Yesterday, I woke up because someone whispered in my ear the words, ""He is dead."" It wasn't a dream. I assume it was God or one of his messengers letting me know that the ""Death Watch"" for Dad was soon to be over. It had gone on for a few days, and my mother and all of my brothers and sisters were there when he died.
I tried to visit more often during the last couple of years, because I knew it was just a matter of time before the disease finally consumed him. My mother and sister Angela are truly saints for enduring the daily sorrow of watching the disease slowly take over Dad's mind and body. For that, I am eternally grateful. In Dad's time of need, Angela rushed to his side, and deserves countless credit for giving up so much to improve Dad's quality of life. The visits we made were increasingly hard to endure. I found it hard to believe that this disease could be so debilitating to Dad, who was always such a strong man.
Dad was the true to life embodiment of what every parent hopes their child grows up to be. He loved God, he loved his family, he loved his church, he loved his community, he loved his country, and was always loyal to that University he attended in Louisiana (even though he didn't care much for Coach McClendon). He didn't just love these things, he took action. He served as an alderman in Long Beach, was a member of the Jaycees, and Knights of Columbus, and worked very closely with his Parish life activity, most especially St. Vincent de Paul. He was a baseball coach in the Babe Ruth League, he was always doing volunteer work of some kind. He truly enjoyed helping people. I remember going with him to help people after Hurricane Camille. He was such a caring and unselfish man. While he was alderman, we used to go out on Saturdays and assemble new playground equipment in the city's parks. His generosity has touched many lives.
I tried to be strong yesterday, and tell everyone that I was okay. The disease had taken so much out of him, and that his suffering was finally over. When I went to bed and really started thinking about it, I started sobbing uncontrollably. I am so blessed and proud to have had such a great role model for a father.
I am going to miss you, Dad.
Written by: Gregory Paul Peno
Mr. Peno was survived by his loving wife Myrna Gautreau Peno, seven children, seventeen grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.
We as a family would like to thank St. Joseph's Hospice for their excellent care of our beloved Father during the last few months. In lieu of flowers, we would like to request donations be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church of which our Parents have been members of for 49 years, or The St. Vincent de Paul Society, 720 E. Beach, Blvd., Long Beach, MS 39560.
Visitation will be Friday, June 7, 2013, from 1 - 2 pm at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 pm in the church. Burial will be private in the Long Beach City Cemetery.
The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Commission Rd., Long Beach, is in charge of arrangements and an online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com