James Penna Sr.

James Joseph Penna Sr., age 89, formerly of Erie, Pennsylvania died on April 20, 2012 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law in Virginia. He was born in Erie on January 12, 1923 son of the late Emilio and Amelia Mando Penna. He graduated from East High School in 1940, and Valparaiso Technical College in Indiana. He served in the Army Air Corps as a B17 radio operator and waist gunner during WWII. He worked as the chief engineer at WSEE-TV in Erie for 30 years until he retired in 1988. He was a founding member of St. Jude Catholic Church and a lifelong resident of Erie until he moved to Virginia to be closer to his children in June of 2006. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Helene DeBello Penna in 1998; three sisters, Rita Brooks, Connie DiPlacido, and Helen Penna; and three brothers, Carl, Anthony, and Edward Penna. Jim was a patient, kind, peaceful, and generous man with a gentle soul who always enjoyed sharing with family and friends. Those who knew him will forever remember and miss his smile. A wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, he was a person of deep faith. He frequently prayed, "Jesus I trust in you!" Jim will be missed for his earnest devotion to family, his nonjudgmental yet steady and wise counsel, and constant encouragement toward those he loved so deeply. His spirit will remain forever as a loving guide to his children. The family will always be grateful to Ruby Couch, of Dinwiddie, Virginia, who helped us take loving care of Dad. Among the many personal Works of Mercy she performed was escorting him on his daily routine of going to Mass, the gym, and the library thereby improving the quality of his life tremendously. She is truly heaven sent-every morning ringing the doorbell, entering with joy and a huge smile, and sharing her wonderful laughter. Everyone would be blessed to have a Ruby in their life. He is survived by two daughters, Cheryl and her husband, LTC Dennis Strobel of Fort Lee, Virginia; and Deborah Penna and her husband, Robert Bachman of Annapolis Maryland; two sons, Dr. Nicholas Penna of Sherrills Ford, North Carolina and his life partner, Jana Reeves; and James Penna Jr. of Charlotte, North Carolina; one grandson, James Penna; one brother, Lewis, and his wife, Jane of Erie; two sisters, Elizabeth Kingsmore of Erie, and Rosalie Burick of Huntsville, Texas. He is also survived by one sister-in-law, Louise Sawtelle and one brother-in-law, James DeBello of Erie; and by numerous nieces and nephews. In accordance with his wishes, a celebration of his life will take place in Erie at a later date. Memorials may be made in his name to St. Jude's Catholic Church in Erie or St. James Catholic Church in Hopewell, Virginia. Arrangements by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.