David R. Penny

David R. Penny, 90, of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2026, at UMass Hospital in Worcester.

David is survived by his loving wife of sixty-nine years, Helen F. (Valinski) Penny; a son, David R. Penny, Jr.; a daughter, Barbara Penny; nieces and nephews. David was predeceased by a son, Mark S. Penny, in January of this year; and by Mark’s wife, Janine Kudron-Penny, in November 2021. He was also predeceased by eight brothers, Walter, Francis, Robert, William, Vincent, Fred, Joseph, and Samuel Penny, Jr. He was born in Worcester, son of the late, Samuel and Harriet (Sullivan) Penny, and has called Worcester home all his life. He served his nation proudly in the United States Marine Corps.

David worked for many years as an operations engineer at UMass Medical in Worcester, before he retired. He was a member of Saint Bernard’s Church, the YMCA, where he played handball, and enjoyed a good game of Pitch and Keno. He was an extraordinary cook/chef, his dishes were incredible and included stuffed peppers, antipasto salads and homemade sausage & meatballs. He enjoyed his time at home cooking for Helen and listening to the classic music of Dean Martin.

Calling Hours will be on Wednesday, July 29, from 9 am until his Funeral Service begins at 11 am in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Interment will follow in Saint John’s Cemetery, Worcester.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory may be made to Saint Bernard’s Church, 236 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605.