David M. Pennell, Sr., 69, of Lancaster, passed away on July 29, 2022 at Hospice & Community Care with his son by his side.
Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Charles James and Susan B. Pennell. David was married to Melissa Ann Pennell who died on December 6, 1999, to whom he was married for 23 years.
David was a graduate of J.P. McCaskey High School Class of 1971, Mt. Joy Vo Tech School of Graphic Arts Class of 1971, and Thaddeus Stevens Trade School Class of 1973 in Printing.
His professional career involved working as a Lancaster Newspaper carrier for 5 years. In 1969 he received the Outstanding Newspaper Boy Award.
In 1971 he was employed by LNP’s Circulation Mail Room Carrier Collection and Mission Newspaper. In 1973 he moved to the Composing Room, and in 1975 moved to the Intelligencer Printing Co. He was in the Printing Industry for 48 years prior to his retirement.
He joined the Millersville Jaycees in 1979, held many local offices including Past President.
In 1981 he became a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church where he served in many positions including ministry, vestry, and committees. He was always one of the first people to welcome new visitors and received the St. George Award for his commitment of Youth Development within the Church and Society.
David was also a member of Scouts BSA for well over 30 years. He served in many positions including Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 4, Scoutmaster of Troop 316, a District Commissioner, and many various other committees. David was recognized with a District Award of Merit.
David was also a member of the Throwing Bull Tribe, AAA (50 Years), Thaddeus Stevens Alumni Association, and The Lancaster Sheriffs Association.
Surviving is a daughter, Mary Sue Pennell of Lancaster, a son, David M. Pennell, II and wife Angie of Red Lion, PA, 2 grandsons, Gavin and Gabriel, a granddaughter Ivy. A brother William B. Pennell of Manheim, 3 sisters, Susan D. Pennell, Kathleen L. Pennell, and Patricia A. Oatman, of Lancaster.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 11 AM at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 321 W Chestnut St, Lancaster, PA 17603. Friends may greet the family from 10 AM until the time of service. Scouters are encouraged to attend in full Field Uniform for the service.
Janet (Conner) White says
I am at such a loss for words. I used to joke with Dave that he wasn’t to play in traffic because he was always my “date” for all the McCaskey reunions! He was always there to be the first to greet me with a hug. Before my parents both passed, he’d always pop in at my parents house to say hello whenever I was back in town. I will miss his phone calls with stories of many unknown people. I will definitely miss his friendship.
Sue Heilman (Andersson) says
So sorry for your great loss, your dad was the sweetest.
Katy Lemmer - PAJCI Senate President says
I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed my chats with Dave (& Mary) at PAJCI Senate board meetings.
He will be missed by his Jaycees & Senate friends.
Sally Traczuk says
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a lifetime member of the PA Jaycee Senate and attended many events and meetings with Mary. Our hearts go out to you.
PA JCI Senate
Brad Cox says
Sincere condolences to family.
We were friends through the Jaycees and JCI Senate. We will miss seeing him at meetings and events. Big hugs to Mary.
Helen Foehlinger says
Condolences to Dave’s family. I had the privilege to work at Intelligence with Dave for 15 years. A wonderful person and friend.
May your memories be greater than your sadness.
Karen Rittenhouse says
I’m so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing, I worked with him at Intellicor, he was such a sweet man. I have so many fun memories of Dave. Sending hugs and prayers to his family.
Craig Rynier says
Dave was such a wonderful and fun friend. He will be missed very much. My sincere condolences to the family.
Jesus Saltares says
My sincere condolences to Dave’s family. He was such a joy to work with. He always had a smile on, and would engage anyone in conversation. I have very good memories with Dave. May he Rest In Peace, and may God bless his family.
Steve Nemith says
I knew Dave since childhood, he was our paperboy when I lived on North Broad St.
When I started working at Intell. in 1982 he remembered me. He remembered everyone in his life. Glad I got to cook 150 burgers at a work picnic/ Dave’s retirement celebration. He was a good guy. Rest in Peace Dave.
Paul Mosteller says
Sorry to hear this as i have worked with Dave for alot of years at intelligencer up until his retirement. RIP Dave
FedEx Deb says
I just came across his obit. So sad. I remember delivering to intel… when u both worked there. (FedEx) :(.
Condolences to the family.
FedEx Deb
Rose Nemith Barnhart says
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. I went to school with him and the same church. We attended Sunday school through high school. He was my parents paper delivery boy when we were younger and lived around the corner. Dave always had a nice word for me.
Kevin Hoover says
My condolences to Dave’s family and friends. I had the pleasure to work with Dave at Intell Printing and Intellicor for over 35 years. Dave could hold a conversation on any topic you could think of. He was very active outside of the work place as well dedicating countless hours to the various organizations he supported. Dave will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Shelby Kilhefner says
So very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I had the opportunity many times to talk with him at church. Always friendly and with a story to tell. He will most certainly be missed!
Paula Wolf says
To the Pennell family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed the conversations Dave and I used to have during coffee hour after church. He was so friendly and easy to talk to. I and the rest of the St. John’s family will miss him greatly!
Connie Geidig says
Dave was a classmate of mine at McCaskey High School. I was so happy I had a chance to talk to him at our recent class reunion in which he shared with me his battle with cancer. Prayers and my deepest sympathy for his family. He certainly was such an amazing man!
Vicki Mendelson(Singer) says
I am very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of your father way back from elementary school!! He was my favorite square dancing partner. I will always remember his kindness. My heart is with yours.
Vicki Mendelson(Singer)
Barbara Dailey says
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your dad. . He’s at peace now & no more pain.
Barry Harsh says
I work with Dave many years at Intel Printing. He always had a story to tell or just a good conversation.. He was very active outside of work and everyone liked Dave. He was be greatly missed from all his friends and family. I am so sorry for his loss.
Heather Ferguson says
Sending my deepest condolences to Dave’s family. I worked with Dave at Intelligencer Printing for almost 15 years. He was so proud of David and Mary and loved his daughter in law and grandsons so much! He talked about each one frequently and was such a devoted father and grandfather. He was a pleasure to work with, always willing to lend a helping hand. Dave is one of a kind and will be dearly missed by those of us who were blessed to know him.
Heather Ferguson says
Sending my deepest condolences to Dave’s family and friends. I worked with Dave for almost 15 years at Intelligencer Printing. He loved his family and was a devoted father and grandfather. He was a pleasure to work with, always willing to lend a helping hand. We joked with Dave that everything would fall apart when he took vacation or eventually retired! He was truly one of a kind and will be dearly missed by those of us blessed to know him.
Janell Nolt says
We are so very sorry for your loss. I hope all the fond memories of David help the family through these times.
Sue, if you need anything, just ask. We will be praying for you and your family.
Janell and verle Nolt and family
Larry Roskos says
To the Pennell family – My sincere condolences on Dave’s passing. I knew Dave through the Lancaster City Republican Committee. He was always an enthusiastic supporter and always brought a bright cheerful attitude to everything he was doing. We would see each other around town and Dave was the first one to say hello with a bright smile and encouraging word. I will miss seeing Dave around town and our conversations. He was the kind of guy who made the world a better place. I’m happy to have known Dave Pennell. RIP Dave.
Phil Wade says
For many years, I worked with Dave at LNP and Intelligencer Printing, I always found Dave to be very helpful and most of all a friend to everyone.
My condolences to his family. I am sorry for your loss.
Richard Snively says
Sincere sympathy to the entire family. May he Rest In Peace.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Richard and Trudi Snively