Albert Penta Obituary

Albert J. Penta was born July 14, 1940 in Revere, MA, to Albert A. Penta and Mary M. Penta (nee O'Donoghue). He died on September 23, 2024 in Shoreline, WA. The cause of death was Merkel Cell Carcinoma, a rare but aggressive form of skin cancer.

He graduated from Revere High School, Class of 1958. He served ten years in the U.S. Navy (1958-1968). Being strongly opposed to the war in Vietnam, he left the Navy after ten years of service. Albert became a lifelong peace and justice activist. He was active with the Seattle chapter of Veterans For Peace, and Ground Zero Center For Nonviolent Action.

Albert graduated from the University of Washington in 1970 with a B.A. in Anthropology. He took a "temporary" job with the Post Office and ended up working 26 years as a letter carrier in Monroe, WA (1973-1999).

Albert was a longtime health and fitness advocate. He was a runner for many years and completed 15 triathlons after the age of 60. His main passion was bicycling and he cycled over 120,000 miles throughout the U.S. and several foreign countries. Since turning 80 he has bicycled more than 15,000 miles. He was a life-long letter writer, and like Voltaire, he wrote over 10,000 letters (i.e., stamps on envelopes).

Albert was an upbeat free spirit who loved life and worked to make the world a better place.

Albert is survived by his long-time partner, Kim Loftness, of Shoreline, WA; his sons Andrew Penta of Vancouver, WA; Anthony Penta of Bellevue, WA; sister Linda Kyes of Lynn, MA; and grandsons Ryland Penta, Rama Penta and Arjuna Penta.

Albert was predeceased by his parents, brother Paul, sister Irene, and eldest son Al Penta, Jr.

At Albert's request no services will be held. He's out there now peddling on the cosmic bike path.

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

Published by The Herald (Everett) from Sep. 28 to Sep. 29, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Penta

10 Entries

Barbara Phinney & Brent McFarlane

October 13, 2024

This is a great loss. Albert and Kim have been a constant. His good humor and commitment to social justice and peace have been an ongoing inspiration to us. Sincere condolences to Kim and his loved ones.

Betsy Haber

October 8, 2024

My condolences to Kim, Andrew, Anthony and all who knew Al. It will be sad not to hear his voice, see him riding around Monroe or saying hello. What a shining light he was and spread to others.

Gini Paulsen

October 7, 2024

What a loss. Albert was an inspiration to all of us peaxeniks, standing on the corner at Ballinger Way every Saturday morning, riding his bike to the vigil. Bike on, Albert and enjoy the cosmic views,

Lee Gresko & Marv Kvamme

October 5, 2024

Kim and family of Al, please accept our condolences on the loss of this dear man. He has made the world a better place and we are honored to have known him. Sending Love & Light,
~Lee Gresko & Marv Kvamme

Linda Newton

October 3, 2024

Albert, thank you for all your kind words and gentle guidance. Kimmy, I am SO very sorry for your loss. Together. In peace for justice.

Elizabeth Murray

October 2, 2024

Rest in peace, Albert Penta. A great life dedicated to the cause of peace and nonviolence, both at VfP and the Ground Zero Center for Nonviolent Action.
My sincere condolences to you, Kim.

Kim Loftness

October 1, 2024

Albert Penta: Addendum of a few pictures -

Kim Loftness

September 30, 2024

Albert "Al" was such a light in my life with his positive energy. He also channeled that energy into his activism for peace and justice. He was constantly in the streets nonviolently agitating for peace starting during the Vietnam era, and ending with protesting for Palestine/Gaza up until August `24.
We met at a weekly peace vigil during the Bush (Dubya) era, and he then introduced me to Seattle VFP. We became very involved in the chapter, and attended the VFP conventions around the country until Covid forced using Zoom.
Al was equally passionate about health and fitness, being a longtime vegetarian, and his continuing obsession with bike riding. He loved being outside on his bike, completing his goals for mileage. It was invigorating for him, and his fitness goals inspired me.
Al was always on the move. He loved homesteading, reading, cooking, going to music festivals and dancing - we both loved to dance, and traveling in and outside the U.S. with bike groups. He loved to give a hand to anyone in need.
He took me to Massachusetts (his home state), Hawaii, Alaska, Iceland, Canada, Costa Rica, and Cuba. He exposed me to new horizons and enriched my life immeasurably.
Everybody who knew Al loved him; he happily conversed and bantered with friends and strangers alike. He was a true gentleman and I´ll be forever grateful to have had him in my life.

Ross Hanenburg

September 30, 2024

Andrew & family, I am sorry for your loss. Please accept our condolences.

Gayle Labuguen

September 30, 2024

I had the pleasure to work with Al at the Monroe Post Office in the 1980s.
He was the most interesting man and as a young 20 something I loved his views on the world. He and I took sides on one controversial topic and I loved his support. I left the post office after 4 years to work at Planned Parenthood and Al had my back on that career move when most thought I was out of my mind. I remember when his second son was born and he talked about thehome birth and the placenta was buried out in the yard. I saw Al many times around town after his retirement and he always had a minute to talk and catch up. Im so sorry for the families loss, please know how much I admired him and will always think of him fondly. Gayle Labuguen

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