Obituaries

Michael T Pennella

November 22, 2016

Burial Date November 27, 2016

Michael Thomas Pennella, 74, of Waterford entered eternal life on November 22, 2016 in the company of his loving family. He was born in New London, son of the late Rocco and Alda Pennella. He married Elaine (Starks) Pennella on September 7, 1963 and they began a beautiful life.  Mike was a true New London guy who was involved in sporting activities in both New London and Waterford. Mike was a standout athlete in basketball and baseball, and part of the first graduating class of Waterford High School.   He attended college in West Virginia, and then transferred to Central Connecticut State University, earning a degree in education and completing his basketball career playing for the Blue Devils. Coach Dedrick inspired him to become a coach, and Mike loved leading the New London Whaler basketball team on to winning seasons for many years. Mike humbly reminisced about his athletic accomplishments, however, he was most proud of the young men he coached and mentored throughout his life. He is endearingly known as ‘coach’ by many former fans and players throughout the state of Connecticut. Furthering his education, he earned his Sixth Year Certificate from the University of Connecticut in 1983 and was the Assistant Principal at Montville High School for a number of years.   Mike retired from Montville High School in 2002 after 35 years as an educator. Up until his death he was the administrator for Montville Adult Education. A perfect day for Mike was spending time with his family, watching a ball game and gathering for a family meal around the kitchen table. His door was always open to family and friends. Mike enjoyed many outdoor activities and he could often be found walking the Niantic Bay Boardwalk, relishing fishing trips on his boat or even pitching a ball to his grandsons.  Left to mourn his loss are his immediate and extended loving family and friends. Besides his wife, Elaine, he left behind four children and their spouses; Michelle and Larry Pyka, Gina and Joe Lentini, Michael J. Pennella, and Tony Pennella and Tenisha Maloney. Mike’s legacy of love, guidance and family will never leave their hearts. In addition, he leaves twelve loving grandchildren who thankfully have so many beautiful memories to cherish. Mike’s grandchildren include: Mallory, Nicholas and Emily Pyka; Joseph, Julia, Jenna and Jack Lentini; Olivia, Alexandra, Luke and Cole Pennella; and Finn Maloney. He was predeceased by his grandson, Lawrence Michael Lentini.  Calling hours are 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave in New London. The funeral will assemble at the funeral home at 9 AM Monday, November 28^th and proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM in St. Joseph’s Church. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial donation to the St. Jude Children’s Research Foundation, a charity near and dear to Mike’s heart.