Bernard Bernie A. Penn Jr.

On Tuesday, Dec 4, 2012, Bernard A. Penn,Jr, affectionately known to all as BERNIE, passed on to a better life with his Lord. Bernie was a native of Alexandria, Virginia, for 85 years but had been residing at Kings Grant Assisted Living Facility in Virginia Beach, VA for the past 3 years. He had been battling Alzheimer’s disease and succumbed to a recent bout of pneumonia. His loving wife, Barbara had passed on 19 years ago. He is survived by his children, Joy Gosney, Michael Penn (Susan), Gayla Keating (Ralph). He was loved by his grandchildren, Aaron Gosney (Katie), Alexa Singer (Neil) Adam Gosney, (fiancée Jessica), Joshua Penn and Step Grandson, John Gornowich (Diane). His is also survived by seven great granddaughters and his former son in law Raymond Gosney.

Bernie enjoyed a wonderful long life in Northern Virginia. After serving his country in World War II, he was employed with Virginia Concrete Company in Springfield for 38 years. He participated in the construction of Metro, Dulles Airport, the original Woodrow Wilson Bridge as well as countless other construction projects. After retiring the first time, he worked part time at Al's Steak House in Alexandria for 20 years. Bernie had been an active member of the Alexandria Sportsman's Club and served as a Club President as well as a member of the Executive Board. His sponsorship of crew athletes in the city was very well received and he also sponsored a rowing night at the club. Bernie led an active social life in Old Town Alexandria. He was a frequent patron of the Fish Market Restaurant in Old Town and was the only person that had a reserved table at the establishment. His humor, singing and dancing ability were legendary and he had an active following of friends and admirers.

A visitation will be held at DEMAINE FUNERAL HOME, 5308 BACKLICK RD., SPRINGFIELD, VA 22151 ON, Monday, December 10, 2012 from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm; a funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at 11:00am, Interment to follow in Mount Comfort Cemetery, 6600 South Kings Highway, Alexandria, VA 22306. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to be sent to the Blue Horse Mukwa Retirement and Rescue, 25895 Highway 49, Chase City, VA 2394 or the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club (memo line-Scholarship Fund), PO Box 1011, Alexandria, VA 22313.