NEW BEDFORD —

Jose E. Peña Báez, 57, passed away on October 28, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him most. Born in Bani City, Dominican Republic, Jose was the cherished son of the late Jose A. Peña Gonzalez and Juana E. Báez

To know Jose was to know laughter, warmth, and a heart that never stopped giving. He had a gift for making people feel seen, loved, and welcomed — whether through a shared meal, a kind word, or one of his unforgettable jokes. His presence could light up any room, and his smile was one that will never be forgotten.

Jose was a man of many passions. He loved cars and built a life doing what he enjoyed most — fixing, restoring, and selling them with care and pride. Baseball, Keno, and dominoes were his favorite pastimes, but his greatest joy came from the simple moments: cooking for his family, sharing stories with friends, and making everyone around him laugh.

He was a proud and devoted father whose love for his children was endless. His legacy lives on through Imari Peña, Anaiyah Castro, Adriel Peña, Emilee Rose Peña, and Greyson Peña, all of New Bedford. They were the light of his life, and every one of them carries a piece of his heart.

Jose is also survived by his beloved siblings Xiomara, Flavia, Joseernesto, and Jonathan, and by many friends and extended family who will forever cherish the love and joy he brought into their lives.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jose's beautiful life on Friday, November 14, 2025, from 4–7 p.m. at Donaghy New-Day Funeral Home, 465 County Street, New Bedford, MA.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the funeral home, followed by burial at Rural Cemetery in New Bedford.

Though Jose is no longer with us, his laughter will echo in our hearts, his stories will live on in our memories, and his love will remain with us forever.