Frederick Stewart Penney, age 96, passed away peacefully on November 21, 2023, at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, N.H. Born in Everett, Mass. on May 28, 1927, Fred spent his formative years in Freshwater, Newfoundland, Canada before moving back to Massachusetts in his 20s, where he met his loving wife of 64 years, Ethel Mae (Luce).
Fred was pre-deceased by Ethel and is survived by his four children and their spouses: Frederick A. and Mary Ann Penney of Chelmsford, Susan E. and David Hicks of Tewksbury, Janet L. and Richard Thompson of Nashua, N.H., and Richard S. and Marielle Penney of Nashua, N.H. Fred is also survived by his brother, Raymond, and his wife Phyllis Penney of Newfoundland, Canada. He was pre-deceased by his brother Clifford Penney and his sister Melba Pike, both of Newfoundland, Canada. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, all of whom he was enormously proud.
For more than 25 years, Fred was an active and devoted member of the Hillside United Methodist Church in Goffstown, N.H. He was a respected member of the Masons for 47 years, belonging to the Tewksbury Masonic Lodge, the Goffstown Masonic Lodge, and was a Past Patron of Acacia Chapter Order of the Eastern Star (Tewksbury, Mass.).
Before his retirement, Fred was a supervisor at Sylvania Electrics and a salesman at John Hancock and Electrolux. He was proud of his education, graduating from high school in Newfoundland and earning certifications throughout his career.
Following his retirement, he remained busy with volunteer work and travelling on cruises with Ethel. You could always find him looking after his house, whether it was atop his roof clearing off the snow or chopping wood for his fireplace.
Never without his favorite flat cap, Fred loved poetry and music, especially bagpipe music and could turn anything into a Newfoundland jig. He had a sweet tooth for homemade baked goods, though he didn't care for chocolate, and always had animal crackers nearby for a snack.
Fred was an avid supporter of New England Sports and enjoyed watching the Red Sox, Bruins, and Patriots. His love for family was evident in the cherished moments spent together. He enjoyed whittling, bowling, tending to his vegetable garden, playing cards with family, and puzzles like word searches and cryptograms.
Calling hours to celebrate Fred's life will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 28, from 4-7 pm at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. An Eastern Star Funeral Service will be held at 7 pm followed by a Masonic Funeral Service. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 1, at 11 am at the Hillside United Methodist Church, Goffstown, N.H. Following the service, Fred and Ethel’s ashes will find their resting place at the Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Fred’s name can be made to Brookhaven Hospice of N.H., 2 Bedford Farms Drive, Bedford, NH 03110.
Fred's memory will endure in the hearts of his family and friends.