Vytautas J. Penkiunas

1937 - 2021

Vytautas (Vytas) died on February 29, 2020 in AAMC hospice care after a brief struggle with cancer. He passed away surrounded by family in a room filled with love, tears, laughter and memories. Vytas was born in 1937 in Kaunas, Lithuania to Ona and Juozas Penkiunas. His parents left Lithuania during WWII and spent the early post-war years in Displaced Persons Camps in Germany. His family emigrated to the USA in 1949, and he grew up in Baltimore where he actively participated in the Lithuanian community. He was in the A class at Baltimore Polytechnic High School and graduated in 1956. He received his degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland in 1959. He began his career working for Ben Dyer Associates and later opened his own engineering firm, Penkiunas and Associates, where he worked until his retirement.

Like his parents, Vytas enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved life, his family and the great outdoors. His love of nature had been nurtured since childhood, and his favorite times were spent outdoors with family and friends, fishing, boating, hiking (often taking the road less traveled) and walking our dog. He spent many memorable summers at the lake house on Lake Ontario, especially enjoying the times when family and friends came to visit. He was very proud of his Lithuanian heritage and enjoyed participating in the cultural events.

Vytas was a kind, caring person with an easy smile and a good-natured sense of humor. He had a gift for making friends wherever he went and touched so many people's lives during his lifetime. He especially loved being grand dad "tukas" to his six grandchildren. He had two children with his first wife, Ruta Krivickas, whom he divorced in 1976. He is preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Nijole Brubaker. He is survived by his wife, Birute (Toni) Balciunas; his daughter, Daina (John Swissler); son, Algis (Kathy Kalvaitis); grandchildren, Petras and Margarita Swissler, Anna, Amelia, Lydia and Algis K. (Kaz) Penkiunas; his sister, Birute (Kestutis Tautvydas); nieces, Daiva, Nida, Milda, Rasa and their husbands; grandniece, Asta; and grand nephews, Hunter, Bridger, Aidan and Gediminas. He also leaves behind many relatives in Lithuania. Our lives have been diminished by his death and the void he left cannot be filled. He was loved by those who knew him and he will never be forgotten. In view of the Covid 19 pandemic, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Contributions can be made to: Lithuanian Hall, 853 Hollins Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 or SPCA of Anne Arundel County, P.O. Box 3471, Annapolis, 21403.