U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Joseph “Joe” Penich Jr., a longtime resident of Beverly, MA, died peacefully on January 9, 2023, at Hathorne Hill Senior Care in Danvers, aged 81 years. He was the beloved husband of the late Joyce C. (Dolfi) Penich, with whom he had shared 43 years of marriage.
Born in McClellandtown, PA on March 20, 1941, he was the son of the late Joseph and Catherine (Zakatansky) Penich. He was a graduate of German Township High School.
Mr. Penich enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on November 2, 1960. Stationed in Hawaii during the Vietnam War, he served as a Radio Operator, and also played center for the Marine Corps football team. Joe trained as a paratrooper with Special Forces Airborne, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on October 30, 1964.
For over 50 years, he was a proud member of the American Legion, where he served as a District Manager.
He spent most of his career with General Electric Company, retiring as Manufacturing Foreman.
Joe and Joyce enjoyed long walks, dancing, and country drives. Most of all, they loved to host family and friends at their home in Maine.
His pride and joy were his four grandsons who he taught to fish and build campfires. Joe never hesitated to babysit for all four at once – by himself, when they were young.
He was a long-term care resident of Hathorne Hill for three years and was loved by all the staff. A model rehabilitation patient, Joe always gave his best effort.
Joe will always be remembered for his devotion to family, and was loved by all who knew him.
He is survived by a daughter, Corrine Walsh and her husband Timothy of Marblehead, and a son, Kenneth Perryman of Waterville, ME; four grandchildren, James Joyce Jr. of Medford, Jason Joyce of Westford, Justin Joyce and his wife Lauren of Westford, and Jared Joyce of Marblehead; two great-grandchildren, Asa and Nicholas, and many cousins who he fondly talked about often. He was the brother of the late Robert Penich.
It being his wish, services were private.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of the Morse-Bayliss Funeral Home, 122 Princeton Boulevard, Lowell. Please visit Joe’s life tribute page at morsebaylissfuneralhome.com
