Harold Arthur (“Pen”) Penny, age 89, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on the morning of November 25. Pen was born in Somerville, MA on September 29, 1929 to the late Archie and Lela Mae Penny. He is survived by his wife Phyllis Corlin Penny, sons Lance (Marie) and Joel, grandchildren Lela Jean, Georgia, and Jenna, brother Lester Penny (Langhorne, PA), sister Marilyn Damon (Harwich, MA), brother-in-law Douglas Corlin (Joan), cousins, nieces, nephews, and many good friends. He was predeceased by his brother Charles W (“Will”) Penny, who gave his life serving in the US Army in World War II.
Following primary and secondary education in Somerville and Worcester, MA, Pen served in the U.S. Navy. He is forever grateful for the GI Bill which funded his college education at his beloved University of Michigan, and his Master’s degree at MSU. After college he worked as a school psychologist, first in the Kent Intermediate School District, and later in the Northview Public Schools. Upon his official retirement, he continued serving in a consulting capacity, and also spent a short time as a licensed real estate agent.
Pen was an active member of Fountain Street Church, where he volunteered as an adult leader for the Fountain Club, and gave over fifty years as an usher. One of his great memories at FSC was serving as one of the leaders of the first Fountain Club hiking trips on Isle Royale (aside from a brief experience in a tree, waiting for a moose and her calf to venture away). He loved his sports teams, especially the football and basketball programs at Michigan, and the Tigers and Lions. He was loyal to his sports teams and the Democratic Party through thick and thin (and there was plenty of thin -- with enough winning to keep him going).
A memorial service will be held at Fountain Street Church, on December 15, at 11am followed by a luncheon to be held at the church. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Fountain Street Church, or a charity of your choice.
GO BLUE!!!
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