Obituary of Fredrick F. Penna

CANASTOTA . . . Fredrick F. Penna, 99, of 108 E. Chapel Street, Canastota, passed away on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at his home. He was born on October 1, 1924, in Canastota, the son of Michaelangelo and Chiara (Bruno) Penna. Fred lived in the Canastota area all of his life and was a 1943 graduate of Canastota High School. He was an onion farmer with his father until he was injured on the onion topping machine. He then attended Syracuse University and earned a teaching degree in 1971. Fred taught 4th grade at Canastota Central School until his retirement in 1987. He was a member of the former Loyal Order of Moose #421 of Oneida, the Canastota Retired Teachers Association, a former member of the Knights of Columbus in Oneida, and was a member of St. Agatha's Church in Canastota. Fred and his wife, Evelyn, wintered in Florida for many years, mainly in Deerfield Beach. He enjoyed gardening and landscaping, listening to music, traveling, dancing, cruises with his wife, and Syracuse University sports. Family was the most important thing to him. Fred married Evelyn R. Fobare on October 25, 1947, in Canastota. Evelyn passed away on March 28, 2014. Surviving are: one daughter, Sharon Humphries of Canastota; two grandchildren, Stephen Humphries, and David Humphries, both of Fairfax, VA; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Fred was predeceased by two brothers, Frank Penna, and Joseph Penna; and four sisters, Florence Serota, Lucy Waldo, Grace Bergman, and Anna Tucci. Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at St. Agatha's Church, 329 N. Peterboro Street, Canastota. The Rev. Christopher J. Ballard, Pastor, will officiate. Interment will be in St. Agatha's Cemetery, Canastota. In his memory, contributions may be made to Sprit of Hope Parish, St. Agatha's Church Bereavement Ministry, 121 St. Joseph's Place, Oneida, NY 13421, with envelopes available at the funeral home.