Joseph C. Penta

Joseph (Buddy) Penta  - Sep. 18, 1919 – April 10, 2020  Born in East Boston, he was the beloved son of Anthony J. Penta and Mary Crescio Penta.  An East Boston resident all his life, he died at the age of 100.  After serving proudly in the Army Air Force (ATC) in World War II, he was honorably discharged, came home, got married, and started a family. He began working as a car cleaner, inspector and mechanic with Conrail RR. He had a long, successful career there until he retired.  After his retirement, he became active in the local community.  He was president of the Holy Name Society and a member of St. Vincent De Paul, where he volunteered his time to help others. His favorite pastime was singing, which he did often, and was a delight to many. He performed in variety shows, sang with his brother at nursing homes, and joined the church choirs at St. Lazarus Church and later on, at the Don Orione Shrine.  He loved reading, crossword puzzles, watching TV, and most of all, his home and family. 

He was a devoted husband of the late Grace E. (Caggiano), and a loving, proud father to his seven children whom he leaves behind; son, Stephen Penta and wife Lorrie of Winthrop, MA; daughter, Marilyn Elliott and husband Peter of Medford. MA; daughter, Ruth Penta Steele and husband Mark of Salem, MA;  son, Arthur Penta and wife Yaping of San Francisco, CA; daughter, Valerie Morelli and husband Bruce of Amherst, NH; daughter, Lisa Penta of Clearwater, FL; and daughter, Christine Penta of Swampscott, MA.  He brought much love and laughter to all his extended family, including his twelve grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. He was the last family member to survive in his family.  His brothers’ names were Ernest, John, Vincent, and Robert Penta.  Two sisters’  names were Louise Phaneuf and Charlotte Penta.  So well-loved, he will always be remembered with a song in his heart and forever hold a very special place in ours.

Services and interment in the Massachusetts National Cemetery were private.

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