The Passing of Anthony James Penna ’19

As many of you know, Anthony James Penna ’19, son of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Penna ’85, was in a serious car accident on Friday, September 29, 2017.  After consultation with several physicians in and outside of Delaware, the family has decided to remove Anthony from life support.  According to his wishes, Anthony will have all of his viable organs donated to the Gift of Life Donor Program.

 

Anthony was a junior at Archmere Academy in Claymont, Delaware where he was a member of the varsity soccer team, junior varsity lacrosse team and Bass in the elite Mastersingers Choir.  Prior to his tenure at Archmere, Anthony attended Saint Edmond’s Academy in Wilmington, Delaware where he was active in soccer, lacrosse, band, choir and theater.

 

In addition to his school activities, Anthony was active in his church, St. Joseph on the Brandywine, where he was an altar server, lector, cantor and participant in the church choir.

 

Anthony is survived by his parents, Robert and Melanie Penna; his sister, Gabrielle Penna; his grandparents, Ann Abke of Phoenix, AZ and Robert and Tirsia Penna of Wynnewood, PA; his aunts and uncles, John and Stephanie Lutz of Franklin Lakes, NJ and James and Pamela Abke of Commerce City, CO and cousins, John Robert Lutz, Christopher Lutz, Austin Abke, Bailee Abke and Allyson Abke.

 

A public viewing will take place at The Patio of Archmere Academy on Friday, October 6, 2017, beginning at 5:00 p.m.  Anthony’s life will be celebrated with a funeral Mass on Saturday, October 7, 2017, 10:30 a.m., at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, followed by a burial ceremony in the St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery immediately following services.

 

Anthony’s musical career started at St. Edmond’s Academy where he was a member of the Academy Singers.  At Archmere, he was invited to join the Mastersingers.  In honor of his love of music, the family is establishing the Anthony Penna Foundation at St. Edmond’s Academy and Archmere Academy.  Donations will be designated to the fine arts programs at both institutions.

 

The Penna family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the entire Wilmington, Delaware community for their unbelievable support during this difficult time.  Please keep the Penna family in your prayers, especially in the days ahead as they mourn their loss.