Passed on Sunday, 12 November 2017
The Rev. Penney was ordained in 1953 and served churches in West Auburn, Maine; Chicago, Illinois; Andover and Holden, Massachusetts; before coming to New Britain, where he served South Church from 1964 to 1991. He was named Pastor Emeritus of South Church.
Following retirement, The Rev. Penney became an Annuitant Visitor for the United Church of Christ Pension Boards and served with his wife Lois as Minister to Retired Clergy on the Connecticut Conference staff from 1991-2004. He also served as Moderator of the Central Association and the Conference, as President of the Connecticut Bible Society, and President of the Hartford Seminary Pastoral Union. He had been a delegate to the World Council of Churches in New Delhi, India, Corporate Member of the UCC's Board of World Ministries and Board for Homeland Ministries, and as a delegate to several annual meetings of the UCC's General Synod.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lois Keniston Penney; four sons and daughters in-law; Hugh K. and Susan of New Haven, CT; Bruce and Janice of Arlington, MA; Paul and Angela of Briarcliff Manor, NY; Kurt and Andréa of Rockport, MA; and daughter Shakeela Penney of Milford, CT. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, six great-granddaughters, an eagerly awaited seventh great-grandchild, scores of nieces and nephews, and three sisters - Ruth Carter of Winchester, VA, Penny Harlow ofWilbraham, MA, and Jean Fickett of Cupertino, CA.
A memorial service was held at South Congregational Church, 90 Main St., New Britain, CT on Saturday, November 18 at 10:00 AM. Memorial donations may be made to The Friendship Service Center, P.O. Box 1896, New Britain, CT 06050-1896 (www.fsc-ct.org) and Heifer International
Read his full obituary here