Robert Litz Penrose

Robert Litz Penrose Sr., 89, died peacefully under hospice care at Bryn Mawr Hospital on June 26, 2019, following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born to Marie L. and James F. Penrose on October 26, 192­9 and grew up in Upper Darby and Wynnewood, graduating from St. Colman’s Catholic School, St. Joseph’s Prep, and Villanova University. He served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army.  Bob worked in accounting, carpentry and real estate, but his true passions were pursued as hobbies.  A longtime participant in Narberth Community Theatre and a member of the Screen Actors Guild, he enjoyed acting as an extra in Philadelphia-based films. He enjoyed sailing and was intensely interested in railroad history, interests which laid the foundation for his exhaustive research on the early development of South Jersey beach communities.  Bob spent many years in the Cape May County archives researching the history of the Jersey shore for his 2006 book, Avalon on the Seven-Mile Beach. In his retirement years, he also volunteered at Bryn Mawr Hospital and as a driver for the American Red Cross.

Bob is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ann Mecke Penrose; his sister Penny Shannon of Memphis TN; and his eight children and their families: Bob Penrose Jr. (Josepha) of Clermont NJ, Nancy Penrose (David Brooks) of Raleigh NC, Judy Penrose Smith of Glenside, Lauren Penrose of Glen Mills, Jean (Dan) Arlotti of Phoenix AZ, Andy Penrose of Havertown, Amy (Jack) Entriken of Kutztown and Carolyn (Todd) Krulak of Birmingham AL. He has 13 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and six nephews and nieces.

Perhaps Bob’s greatest role was as devoted father. He reveled in family time and helped several generations learn to bike, swim, sled, drive, sail and so much more. His ever-present camera documented every multi-generational family occasion and individual accomplishment.  He was happiest when walking, whether an abandoned railroad line, the streets of Narberth and Wynnewood, or his beloved Avalon beach. Dad has been deeply loved all his life and will be deeply missed.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday July 2, 11 AM at St. Margaret Church 208 N. Narberth Ave., Narberth, PA. Relatives and friends may call at the Church after 9:30 AM.  Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. 17th FL., Chicago, IL 60601.