Brett William Penney

Brett William Penney 47 of East Hartford and New York City passed away on Wednesday February 23, 2011 at Manchester Memorial Hospital. He was born in Hartford son of Roger William and Janet May (Paine) Penney of East Hartford. He was raised in East Hartford and graduated from East Hartford High School, 1982. After high school he graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts, 1986.

After graduating from College, Brett packed his bags and headed to New York City to pursue his dream of the bright lights of Broadway. Brett started his dream at the age of 6 and continued through adolescent and teenage years in East Hartford. Brett was a staple in the EHHS theatrical performances, continued in summer stock theater and in college. In the pursuit of the dream, he was a co-founder of the Will Company that specialized in the telling of Ghost Stories. From the Will Company he developed a one man performance of the Charles Dickens’ classic; A Christmas Carol.

His second career was as a Legal Word Processor, currently employed by the Law Firm of Skadden in New York City. He was a proud fan of the Red Sox and the Celtics, but fanatic about the New England Patriots and was highly intelligent about the game itself. His roller blading skills allowed him to teach to City kids. He loved to camp and was fond of his “cramping” days with his close friends. But above all he was a charismatic, artistic and creative individual who love to entertain and teach others with his humorous and intellectual personality. His personalize cards and presents will be cherished by his family and friends forever.

Besides his two loving parents, he is survived by his only brother and his wife Todd and Beth Penney, his two cherished niece and nephew Briana and Kyle Penney all of Tolland; his loving God Daughter Jody Paterson and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Frank and Harriet Penney and his maternal grandparents Charles and Rena Paine.

Brett’s mantra can be summed up in the words of Tiny Tim, from A Christmas Carol: God Bless Us, Everyone. Brett’s family would like to thank the Doctors, nurses, and staff at Manchester Memorial Hospital Critical Care Unit for their loving care.

Relatives and friends are invited on Monday February 28th at 9am to the Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford, followed by the 10 am Celebration of Brett’s Life to be held at 10 am with the Rev. Louis Cremoni officiating. Burial will follow in Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Calling hours will be Sunday February 27th from 4-8 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Brett’s memory to the charity of donor’s choice. To view Brett’s tribute and send condolences online please visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com