Carl Penna- Mr. Carl F. Penna, age 79 of Wilmington, DE died peacefully on Sunday evening, February 6, 2005, at the Parkview Nursing Home, surrounded by his family. Carl was born in Wilmington July 8, 1925, son of the late Carl and Josephine (Persolio) Penna. A graduate of Wilmington High School, class of 1943, he served in the 15th Army Air Force during World War II and was stationed in Foggia, Italy for 8 months. As a ballturret gunner in a B17 flying fortress, Carl flew 34 missions over Germany, Italy and Austria. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1945, Carl enrolled in watchmaking school. Although he worked in the business only 4 years, watch and clock repair remained his passion throughout his life. In 1952, Carl joined the Prudential Insurance Company as an agent and retired after 33 years of service. He was an avid pigeon fancier and was instrumental in operating both the Wilmington and Lennox Park Pigeon Clubs. He will be missed for his wisdom, sense of humor and ability as a handyman. Carl is survived by his wife of 58 years, Christina M. (Parenti) Penna, who unselfishly cared for him during his battle with Parkinson's disease; his son, Michael Penna and his wife, Linda, of Newark; his grandchildren, Michelle Penna of Wilmington, Kimberly English of Newark and Russell English of North East, MD; his great granddaughters, Jenna and Nicole Tomassi; brother-in-law, Leonard Parenti and his wife, Louise; 2 nieces; and 1 nephew. He was predeceased by his sister, Marie Teresa Brinker. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 9th & Dupont Sts., on Friday morning, February 11, at 11 am. Interment will follow in Cathedral Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the CHARLES P. ARCARO FUNERAL HOME, 2309 Lancaster Ave., Wilmington (opposite Cathedral Cemetery), on Friday morning from 9-10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Carl's memory to the Parkinson Educational Program of Delaware, 1228 Heather Lane, Wilmington, DE 19803.

Published by The News Journal on Feb. 9, 2005.