1938 - 2026
Bob was born in Walpole on February 24, 1938, the son of the late Domenic F. and Frances M. (DiGregorio) Penza. He often spoke fondly of his youth, reminiscing about growing up in Walpole, enjoying family and friends. He graduated from Walpole High School in 1955, and shortly thereafter answered the call to serve his country. Following high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and served for four years in Hawaii and Quonset Point, RI during the Vietnam era.
Professionally, Bob built a long and accomplished career. Bob spent most of his professional career as a production and operations manager, leading teams in several high-tech New England corporations. He took particular pride in mentorship, finding great satisfaction leading and nurturing employee success and developing new products. Later in life, Bob fulfilled a lifelong ambition, teaching high school at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical in Franklin. His passion for learning never faded, and throughout his career, Bob cherished a continuing pursuit of knowledge, earning bachelor’s degree from Framingham College and his MBA from Leslie College.
Music was a constant source of joy in Bob’s life. Bob had a lifelong love for music, playing several instruments. He especially enjoyed taking accordion lessons and sharing music with all. For more than 15 years, he played alto saxophone with “The Tune Timers” at the Holliston Senior Center on Fridays, where he formed deep friendships and a strong sense of musical camaraderie. A man of deep faith, he also enjoyed working and volunteering at the Fatima Shrine in Holliston for many years.
Above all else, Bob cherished the time spent with his devoted family. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons Brett Penza and his wife Kathleen of Uxbridge and David Penza and his partner Laura McPherson of Wrentham. He is also survived by three grandchildren Amanda Shea and her husband David of Holden, Maggie Penza and her fiancé Brad Goodwin of Quincy, and Daniel Penza and his wife Elizabeth of Medway, three great-grandchildren Samantha, Connor and Sophia, and many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Pat, Rita, Carlo, Donald, Natali “Joe”, and Domenic Penza, and Marie Buchanan.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church, 151 Village Street in Medway on Friday, February 13th at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in South Walpole. Calling hours are respectfully omitted.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the VA Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury Campus (135), 1400 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA. 02132.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber Street in Medway ginleyfuneralhomes.com.
