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Michael Pennella Obituary

Waterford - Michael Thomas Pennella, 74, of Waterford, entered eternal life on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016, in the company of his loving family.

He was born in New London, son of the late Rocco and Alda Pennella. He married Elaine (Starks) Pennella on Sept. 7, 1963 and they began a beautiful life.

Mike was a true New London guy who was involved in sporting activities in both New London and Waterford. Mike was a standout athlete in basketball and baseball, and part of the first graduating class of Waterford High School. He attended college in West Virginia, and then transferred to Central Connecticut State University, earning a degree in education and completing his basketball career playing for the Blue Devils. Coach Dedrick inspired him to become a coach, and Mike loved leading the New London Whaler basketball team on to winning seasons for many years.

Mike humbly reminisced about his athletic accomplishments, however, he was most proud of the young men he coached and mentored throughout his life. He is endearingly known as "coach" by many former fans and players throughout the state of Connecticut.

Furthering his education, he earned his sixth year certificate from the University of Connecticut in 1983 and was the assistant principal at Montville High School for a number of years. Mike retired from Montville High School in 2002 after 35 years as an educator. Up until his death he was the administrator for Montville Adult Education.

A perfect day for Mike was spending time with his family, watching a ball game and gathering for a family meal around the kitchen table. His door was always open to family and friends. Mike enjoyed many outdoor activities and he could often be found walking the Niantic Bay Boardwalk, relishing fishing trips on his boat or even pitching a ball to his grandsons.

Left to mourn his loss are his immediate and extended loving family and friends. Besides his wife, Elaine, he left behind four children and their spouses, Michelle and Larry Pyka, Gina and Joe Lentini, Michael J. Pennella and Tony Pennella and Tenisha Maloney. Mike's legacy of love, guidance and family will never leave their hearts. In addition, he leaves twelve loving grandchildren who thankfully have so many beautiful memories to cherish. Mike's grandchildren include: Mallory, Nicholas and Emily Pyka; Joseph, Julia, Jenna and Jack Lentini; Olivia, Alexandra, Luke and Cole Pennella; and Finn Maloney.

He was predeceased by his grandson, Lawrence Michael Lentini.

Calling hours are 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, at Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. The funeral will assemble at the funeral home at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 28 and proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., in St. Joseph's Church. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the St. Jude Children's Research Foundation, a charity near and dear to Mike's heart.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Nov. 26, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Pennella

Sponsored by Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home.

Not sure what to say?





Arthur Davis

November 19, 2019

Mike I remember you when we played little league. You were outstanding then and later yers as a well liked teacher and principal my sons school. I always considered you as a friend even though we went separate ways later. God love you and peace to you and your family. Art Davis.

January 11, 2019

Love you pop ♥

Brennan Glasgow

December 12, 2016

So sorry to hear of Uncle Mike's passing. Far too early.

danny morgan

December 3, 2016

going up against the whalers when you coached was a loss for us at fitch, you are respected on this side of the river and you did a good job. peace.

Michelle Scott

December 2, 2016

Rest in Peace Mr. Pennella! I will remember him walking the halls with a big smile and saying hi to all the students. He was a genuine, caring person. To the family, I am sorry for your loss.

Howard Bennett

December 1, 2016

Coach Pennella was my little league coach in the late 70's..... Esposito Espos....I have praised him since. He was the best coach I ever had. So sorry I never got to tell him that.

gregory olbrys

December 1, 2016

Elaine, sorry to hear of Michael's passing. "Mike the spike"and I were old friends from our playing days with the Vagabonds. We were later at Central together. "Greg the peg" Olbrys

November 30, 2016

I am deeply saddened by the passing of a tremendously talented coach and great guy. We called him the "Wizard of Whalerville". He was an old school guy who was admired and respected by everyone who crossed paths with him. Rest in peace my friend... Chris Pugliese

Christopher Pugliese

November 30, 2016

To the "Wizard of Whalerville"... A great mentor and educator throughout 4 decades. You were respected and loved by those who crossed paths with you. Rest in peace my friend... Chris Pugliese

November 30, 2016

Condolences to the family of Principal Pennella, as I knew him as. I remember him walking the halls of Montville High, always with a smile and saying hi to all us students....Great guy.

Jodi Burdeshaw

Augie Pyka

November 29, 2016

Dear Popi,
I will miss you my buddy, my pal, my friend.
Until we meet again I will take care of noni.
Love,
Augie

Ralph Roggero

November 28, 2016

Elaine, Michele, Gina, Mike, & Tony,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your families. Mike will always be remembered at NLHS . We will miss him dearly at our Friday breakfast.

Hollyann Moriarty

November 28, 2016

My sincerest condolences to the Pennella Family - Mike was a wonderful person who will be missed by all who knew him.

dennis riley

November 28, 2016

I extend condolences to Mike's family...he was one of the nicest persons I met in coaching ranks during my 30-years of broadcasting high school sports on WICH radio...I will remember him in my prayers...

Bob Weiss

November 28, 2016

Dear Elaine and family,
Our deepest sympathiy to all of you. We always enjoyed seeing him. Mike will surely be missed by all.
Bob and Patti Weiss

Aimee Murray(Cluff)

November 28, 2016

To the Pennella Family,
I have very fond memories of Mr. Pennella. I grew up next door to your family during my younger years. Always a kind and quiet man, he made me feel very comfortable at your dinner table.
I will keep you all in my prayers.

Denis Lacroix

November 28, 2016

His kindness, generosity and friendship touched us all and those who knew him are better people because of it. May the memories of Mike bring a smile to your faces that will fill your hearts with love. In prayer I send condolences.

Arthur Davis

November 27, 2016

Mike and I played little league on the same team. Mike was a inspiration to all the players on our team.

Joe Shea

November 27, 2016

My sincere condolences to the entire Pennella family. Mike was my basketball coach at NLHS in 1973, his memory will live in my thoughts and prayers.

November 27, 2016

To Elaine and family,,

I was shocked to hear of Mike,s passing. . I remember watching Many games with Mike, sitting at PPTs with him and more recently catching up at the senior center. He will be sorely missed.

Heather and Doug

Eileen Braye

November 27, 2016

Class of 1978 NLHS

Eileen Monroe

November 27, 2016

Rip Coach "P"

Pete & Carole Joyce

November 27, 2016

Elaine & Family...
We are so sorry for your loss. Mike and I grew up and played Basketball together at Waterford High and we have many good times to remember. He will be missed by many for sure.... Mike was one of the Best! Our p;prayers and thoughts are with your family at this time.

Pete & Carole Joyce

Waterford Hardware Joyce's !

November 27, 2016

We are very sorry for your loss. We regret that we are unable to attend any of the services.

Pat and Rich Erricson

Thomas Bonanno

November 27, 2016

My Deepest Condolences to Elaine and The Pennella Family,... Mike was a Happy, Kind and Caring Person. Growing Up on Pine Street In Waterford, I called Mike and His Sweet Parents Alda and Rocky Our Next Door Neighbors....We Became Very Close with The Pennella Family and The Sullivan Family and Others.. Growing Up In That Day and Time was a Very Special Time....In Many Ways, Very Different Than Today. Growing up On Pine Street, in Our Back Yards, I Learned That Mike Believed in Fairness, Equality and Love of Family.
I'll Miss Your Smile and Your Sense of Humor Most Mike, You are One Of The Finest Men I Know. From your Pal and Old Neighbor ( as You Called Me : The Music Man ) Tommy Bonanno - With Love and Deepest Sympathy From The Bonanno's From Pine Street.Rest in Peace Michael ....

November 26, 2016

He was a great guy. I remember him with Whale, my Uncle Frog, Tommy Di Lorra, and John Contuliss. They could eat! Also a great b'ball coach who demanded discipline and dedication. He truly cared about his players.

robert hansen

November 26, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers for all of you.

Liz Porter

November 26, 2016

I am saddened by the news of Mike's passing. I worked with him while I at Montville High School. He always had an open door and was always ready to help.

My sincerest condolences to the entire family.

Kelley (Sullivan)Doerfler

November 26, 2016

My thoughts and prayers to you all.

Kathy and Rene Racette

November 26, 2016

Elaine and family, we are at a loss for words, Mike was a special friend and will always remain in our memories and heart. We are sorry we cannot share the services with you as we are in FL. We will ,however, be in CT December 19th and will be in to visit. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Kathy and Rene Racette

Gail Melluzzo

November 26, 2016

So sorry for the loss of your dad.

Paul & Gail Melluzzo

Don and Jeannette Delmore

November 26, 2016

Rest in peace, Mike. So very sorry to hear the news. Our prayers are with Elaine and your family.


















Don and Jeannette .

Donna Bienkowski Smith

November 26, 2016

Elaine, children and family,
I know there are no words I can say to comfort you or to ease your pain. However...I am so very sorry for the loss of Mr. Pennella. I have fond memories of him coaching NLHS basketball always with little Gina running around pregame, jumping on the gymnastics mats that were usually in the corner...memories of how he was such a great man to all of us High School kids, not just his Basketball players. He is one of those people that are in the walls, the bleachers, the atmosphere of that hallowed NLHS gym. We may not see him, but he will always be there.
May you be in Heaven resting a bit, enjoying yourself a lot, & I know for sure you will be looking out for your family and many many people whose lives you've touched. Thanks for being you Coach.
My thoughts, prayers, love and sympathy are with you Elaine and family.
Donna Bienkowski Smith
NLHS Class of 1981

Julie VanderVeer Prochorena

November 26, 2016

We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers to your whole family from ours.

Sylvia Daughn

November 26, 2016

I retired from teaching at Montville High School in 2008. I spent about 15 years teaching there with Mike as the Assistant Principal. I enjoyed working with him and appreciated his love of family.

Additionally, my husband played football for Central Connecticut during the time Mike played basketball there and remembers him with fondness, as well.

With sincere sympathy for his family during this time of sorrow.

SUZI ALGER-MANSFIELD

November 26, 2016

REST IN PEACE COACH!!GOD HAS CHOSEN ONE VERY SPECIAL ANGEL TO WATCH OVER US ALL.. THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING TRUE!!!YOU WILL BE SORELY MISSED BY SO MANY.MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY...

John Swain

November 26, 2016

So sorry to hear the bad news.

November 26, 2016

Rest In Peace.

Hantman Family

November 25, 2016

Such a tragic loss. Was a pleasure to know and work with this great human being... Always had a smile on his face and was so full of life.. R.I.P. Will surely be missed by everyone who knew him... Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. ..

Joe Walsh

November 25, 2016

To the Pennella family so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great person, mentor, leader and example to everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Phil Spring

November 24, 2016

Good friend, good assistant principal, good coach and good fisherman. Mike will be missed by all.

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Make a Donation
in Michael Pennella's name

Memorial Events
for Michael Pennella

Nov

27

Calling hours

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home

84 Montauk Ave., New London, CT 06320

Nov

28

Funeral

9:00 a.m.

Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home

84 Montauk Ave., New London, CT 06320

Nov

28

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

St. Joseph Church

CT

Funeral services provided by:

Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home

84 Montauk Ave., New London, CT 06320

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