Donald Eugene Penoli

Donald E. Penoli, Sr. 79, Retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer (CW2), took his final and eternal deployment on November 7, 2009, at Sierra Medical Hospital in El Paso, Texas. Donald, born on March 9, 1930 was preceded in death by his parents Maude Mary and John Henry Penoli. He is also preceded in death by all of his brothers and sisters, whom he loved and cared for during his life, brothers: John Fred Penoli, Robert Donelson, sisters: Katherine Bettiga, Bernice Toepp, and Helen Groeth. Donald is survived by his loving wife, partner and soul mate of 60 years, Mildred B Penoli (Edmisson), his proud and grateful children: Donald (Carol) Penoli, Jr., Constance Reid (Dale), Dona Chertok (Mike), Linda Mary Nance (Dave), David Penoli (Rose), Margaret Penoli and Mark Penoli. Donald, also know as “Grandpa” and “Gaga,” is also survived by nine Grandchildren, with whom he spent many precious and never to be forgotten times: Stefanie Cuomo (Eric), Bryan Nance (Jessica), Jason Penoli (Amelia), Jennifer Hasenack (Kevin), Christopher Reid, Jessica Penoli, Isaac and Nicolas Penoli (deceased), Matthew Penoli, Sarah Penoli, David C. Penoli and 4 Great Grandchildren: Brooke Cuomo, Caden Nance, Braxton Cuomo, Calista Nance. He loved all of us, and we will truly miss him. Donald joined the U.S. Army at the age of 16 years with permission, and he would say encouragement from his mother, his time of military service covered 23 years, nine of which were foreign, retiring from active duty on September 30, 1969. Don would often say the “Army” made him who he was. After his retirement he obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at El Paso, and a Master of Arts degree from Webster University. During this phase of his life, he began to work as a Civil Service Employee retiring in 1993. Don, Dad, Grandpa, Gaga, had a great journey, and carried all of those who knew him along, his life will be celebrated in a visitation on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. to include a Rosary Service at 7:00 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass, El Paso, Texas 79904. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Church (Chapel #2), on Fort Bliss on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. to be followed by internment at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with full Military Honors. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast.