He was born on Jan. 10, 1925 in Trenton, N.J. Joe served during World War II in the Army Air Force as a supply clerk and later as a communications officer. He was stationed in Guam for a time before his honorable discharge when he returned to New Jersey. Joe married Florence E. Wright on September 28, 1944 in Bordentown, New Jersey. They had two sons, Joseph W. Penn Jr. and David Carl Penn. They moved to California and Joe worked for Royal Industries and later BFN Energy Products. Joe was a member of the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers Union. He loved bowling, ocean fishing, ping pong, playing pool, playing pinochle, and camping.
He is survived by his sons: Joseph Jr and wife Joe Ann Penn, Hermiston, OR, and David Carl Penn, Long Beach, CA; grandchildren: Jeanine E. Matthews and husband Gary, David E. Penn and Donovan; great grandchildren: Jeannice, Nicholas, Emily, Rebecca (Cody), Deanna, Jacob Cree; great great grandchildren: Jaxson Ray, Hayden , Carly Rae; brothers: Sylvester and Clifford Penn, both of Trenton, NJ; two nieces: Margaret Lavellee & her family and Joan Ellen McKay & her family.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Penn; his parents; and a brother and a sister.
At his request there will be no service.
Private inurnment will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Gresham.
Contributions may be made in Joe’s memory to the American Cancer Society or the Agape House in Hermiston.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
