Roger W. Penney, 78, of East Hartford, loving husband of 57 years to Janet (Paine) Penney peacefully passed away April 11, 2021 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Roger was born on February 6, 1943 in Boston MA, son of the late Frank W. and Harriet (Knight) Penney, Sr. He is survived by the only love of his life Janet and their son, Todd Penney, wife Beth, of Tolland; their children, Briana with her partner Joshua Cardella, and Kyle. He is also survived by his brothers Willard Penney, wife Gloria, and Frank W. Penney, Jr., wife Linda; his sisters-in-law Donna Paine and Jean Paine; several nieces and nephews and their children. Roger was sadly predeceased by his oldest son, Brett W. in 2011.
Roger graduated from North Attleboro High School (MA) in 1961 and Wentworth Institute of Technology, receiving an Associate’s Degree, in 1963. He spent his entire 43-year career at Combustion Engineering in Windsor, CT, working his way up from a draftsman to a Project Engineer. It was this career choice that took Roger and Janet from North Attleboro to East Hartford, where they have made their home ever since.
For Roger; his family was his focus. Not only providing for the family, but being involved in most of the activities his boys participated in growing up. From a Pack Leader for Cub Scouts; to a Little League Coach for the Farm team, I.O.O.F.; to a theatre set builder; to just an all-round supporter in whatever his boys did up until his last day.
Roger was a sports enthusiast throughout his life; playing basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, bowling, and softball. He was a Boston sports fan and bled green and blue for the Hartford Whalers. Beyond that he was a die-hard New England Patriots fan, a distinction that he shared with Brett. His ultimate favorite teams though were all of the teams that Briana and Kyle played on. The pride that he expressed for every win or loss was immeasurable. With that being said, his greatest joy was golf, playing in multiple leagues and playing with friends. His favorite playing partners were his father and brothers, later playing with his two sons, his daughter-in- law, and his grandson. Golf, he said, “was a great way to spend time with the people you love”.
Roger loved working with his hands, whether it was in the yard or house. He was always involved with a project. As he got closer to retirement he started “No Job Too Small”, a home improvement business to fuel his passion.
Everyone that met Roger would offer the following descriptive words: kind, warm, thoughtful, funny and loving. He will be forever remembered as one of the truest Gentlemen that anyone has ever met. Go in Peace Dad, free from the Parkinson’s and into Brett’s arms. You will forever be in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or the National Parkinson’s Foundation in Roger’s name.
Calling hours will be on Sunday, April 18th from 3:00PM to 6:00PM at Newkirk & Whitney 318 Burnside Avenue East Hartford, CT. 06108. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, April 19th at 10:00am at St. Mary’s Church 15 Maplewood Ave. East Hartford, CT. 06108. Committal immediately following in the family plot at Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford, CT. To sign the online guestbook go to www.NewkirkandWhitney.com
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