Robert A. Pennini, 78 of Hanson, MA passed away at South Shore Hospital on Friday, May 2nd after a long battle with metastatic prostate cancer.
Bob was born on November 25, 1946 in Brockton, MA at Goddard Hospital. He was raised in Abington and Whitman by his parents, the late Paul L., Sr and Marguerite (Meara) Pennini. Brother to Paul Pennini, Jr, his wife, Jeannie of CA, and predeceased by his younger sister Linda Moore, and brother, Gary Pennini.
After graduating from Whitman Hanson Regional High in 1965, he became a master pipe fitter for General Dynamics and helped build two nuclear Sturgeon-class submarines, the USS Sunfish, and the USS Whale in the Quincy Shipbuilding Division. He married his high school sweetheart, Linda (Irving) in 1967 and was a devoted husband to her for over 57 years, enjoying 3 children and 7 grandchildren who adored him.
In 1974, Bob became a Massachusetts State Police Trooper where he made some of his closest, lifelong friends. After developing blood pressure issues, he retired and started Penn Tree Service, working with his late brother, Gary, who was also his best friend. In 2000, after his blood pressure was under control, he was able to go back to the State Police and continue working until retired in 2013.
Bob had a unique sense of humor and always saw things differently. He loved clamming, boating, fishing and even learned to scuba dive for lobsters! He was also a “Mr. Fix It.” He worked on plumbing, heating, built decks, fixed vehicles and never hired anyone to do anything for him. He was always the one you called if you had a problem. His greatest pride and joy was his family. He was known for his “Bob-isms” and would impart his random bits of advice and jokes to all.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Linda, in addition to his three children, daughter, Lisa Thaxton and her husband, Scott of Stow, MA, his two sons, Jeff and his wife Andrea (Gomes) of Halifax, MA, and Greg and his wife, Jenna (Peecher) of Littleton, MA. His grandchildren, Corey, Brady and Haley Thaxton, JJ Pennini, Cole, Camden and Blake Pennini, who will all miss him dearly.
Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on May 30th from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman. A funeral service will be held May 31st at 11:00 AM at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel with a burial to follow at Fern Hill Cemetery, High Street, Hanson.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans or DAV.org