1923 - 2016 John R.F. Penido, MD, died January 6, 2016 at his home in Pasadena, California at the age of 92. He was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro as Joao da Rocha Fragoso Penido, a descendant of the city's Portuguese founders in 1565. With a medical degree from the Universidade do Brasil, Dr. Penido came to the U.S. in 1947 for post-graduate training in Los Angeles, Minneapolis and at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. He began his private practice in Los Angeles in 1959, and performed the first open heart surgery in the San Gabriel Valley in 1961. After 31 years at the Huntington Hospital, including a year as President of the Medical Staff, he retired in 1990. During his 55 years in the Pasadena area, his community involvement included the US Power Squadron, Pasadena Rotary Club, Board of Trustees of Westridge School, Session of La Ca�ada Presbyterian Church, Huntington Library Special Docent, Twilight Club and the Pasadena Chapter of the International Wine and Food Society, where he was awarded the Andre Simon Bronze Medal. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, children John and wife Lucy, Tony and wife Carol, and Marcia and husband Louis Bonnabel, six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 23rd at Noon at La Ca�ada Presbyterian Church, followed immediately by a celebration of life at a private club in Pasadena. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Huntington Library, c/o Advancement Office, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 or via huntington.org/giving. Please specify J. Penido/Docent Education Fund.
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4 Entries
HE SAVED MY LIFE WHEN I WAS 11! I WILL BE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL! THANK YOU DR P! TRACY GEORGE
February 17, 2020
On a whim I decided to look up the man who saved my life over 43 years ago. Sadly this is what I found. His family should know that I always thought he was the most wonderful man on earth. When I was just 7 years old I had open heart surgery performed by Dr. Penido. I thank God for him. Now, a 50 year old adult, am reminded every time I see a cardiologist, or doctor of any kind, just how blessed I was to have Dr. Penido as my surgeon. They are always amazed at what wonderful repair work was done and how well I am doing. The last time I saw a cardiologist, he asked who my surgeon was. He was excited and said he heard of him and bombarded me with questions. I just want all of you, his family, to know he touched so many of us. Thank you!
Theresa Tomasso
March 2, 2017
Just attended the memorial, since my wife is good friends with his daughter-in-law. A great legacy of a great man! I never met him but hope to do so in paradise some day!
Jeff Lucia
January 23, 2016
A great man will be missed by many people! I have many fond memories from when the Neil's and Penidos got together!
Jess Hume
January 22, 2016
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