Philip Ross Pennington

Philip Ross Pennington, 78, passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2025, surrounded by his beloved family. He was born November 20, 1946, in Akron, Ohio to the late Charles and Gladys (Stransky) Pennington. Phil retired from Ohio Bell/AT&T after 42 years of dedicated service and was a proud member of the Communications Workers of America for 59 years. A true Buckeye legend, he worked 32 years in Guest Services at The Ohio State University as an usher in Section 24B. His love for Ohio State began when he attended his first game with his father in 1954. Also, he attended every home game since the 1960’s, only missing one for his daughter’s wedding.

Phil was a true car man. A Builder. Starting out drag-racing, building cars, collecting cars, traveling across the country, drag racing and going to car shows with his friends of more than 60 years, his A-Team (Ronnie, Pete, and Jim). They built buildings while they were building each other’s lives working on cars. “Get ‘em in, Get ‘em out”.

In 1983, along with life-long friend, Greg Nelson, Phil started the National Muscle Car Association (NMCA). In addition, Phil was a member of the Los Angeles Roadsters Car Club going to California every Father’s Day for 15 years to work the Roadster Show.

Phil loved riding his bicycle, especially riding across the State of Iowa, with cousins Rod and Dean for the 2018 Ragbrai. A Family Tradition. Building a forever bond. He loved making his special concoctions for the grandchildren, especially his hot dog machine and the Stransky Eggnog at Christmas.

Phil loved his family. A Builder. Not only cars and buildings, but of people. Most importantly, his children. Building confidence, trust, love, and sharing his faith, because he was a builder of people, he has left behind three faithful children and eight grandchildren who are successful.

He was a loyal friend and deeply committed to serving others. A devoted member of St. John's Lutheran Church, he served on the church council, attended bible studies, and served on the kitchen team, earning the affectionate title of "King of the Dishwasher."

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Charles H. Pennington, nephew, Mark Pennington Cannon.

Phil is survived by his wife, Cynthia who has been by his side for 47 years, sharing children: Kristen (James), Kelly (Jason), Joseph (Megan), and grandchildren: Andrew, Brooklyn, Cameron, Abigail, Veronica, Matthew, Christopher, and Jesse. He is also survived by cousins Lois Marks, Rod & Lisa Smith, Dean & Brenda Smith, niece Capalyn Cannon Boatner, the Lemon Children, confidant and brother Ritchie Meringolo and many life-long friends and neighbors, especially the Luebben Family.

His family will receive friends from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Schoedinger Grove City, 4242 Hoover Rd., Grove City, OH 43123. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025, at the St. John's Lutheran Church, 3220 Columbus St., Grove City. Interment to follow at Sunset Cemetery.

Contributions in his memory may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church Memorial Fund 3220 Columbus St, Grove City, OH 43123 or Apostolic Gospel Church, PO Box 16, West Jefferson, OH 43162.

Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a special memory or extend condolences.