John Stanton Penn

FUNERAL HOME

Higgins Home for Funerals

209 West 8th St.

Plainfield, New Jersey

John Penn Obituary

John Stanton Penn

Bedminster

John "Jack" Stanton Penn, of Bedminster, NJ passed away on Friday, November 1, 2013 in Lyons Veterans Hospital, Basking Ridge, NJ. Jack was born on November 19, 1926, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in Westfield and attended Columbia University. He served with the United States Marine Corps, in the Pacific, during World War II, on active duty from 1943-46.

Jack lived many lives. He started his career racing cars, culminating in winning the 12 Hour Grand Prix in Sebring, Florida in 1955. He then turned to sales where until his passing; he was President of Penn White Company dealing in commercial real estate. But his legacy will be in his public service to Somerset County and the State of New Jersey. Starting as Watchung Borough Republican Municipal Chairman, he moved to Somerset County GOP Chairman and then to State Assemblyman for the 16th Legislative District for 10 years. During that time he served on the Somerset County Board of Taxation, Chair of the Somerset County Mental Health Board, and the Somerset Council on Alcohol, among many others. But he didn't stop his service there; he was appointed Executive Director of the Division of Aviation by Governor Christie Whitman. He earned his private pilot license at an early age and his love of flying never left him. He was a strong advocate of general aviation, founding member of NJAA and a member of the Quiet Birdmen. As a private pilot and a glider pilot who flew for the Marines in WWII, he was inducted into the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame in 1998. None of that took away from his time with his family. His love and devotion for family included his wife Carol, his children, daughter Debra and husband Sandy Joren, and sons, Tyler and wife Meg Penn and Craig and wife Debbie Penn and daughter in law, Kerry Penn. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kelly, Shannon, Sara Beth, Matty, Lindsay and Ethan and great-grandchildren Lola and Luca. He is pre-deceased by his two sons, John Jr., and Tracy Penn and his first wife, Tyl Penn. His kindness and generosity of spirit will be remembered by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 4, 2013 from 1-3 pm & 6-9 pm at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung NJ 07069. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at 11:00 am at Wilson Memorial Union Church, 7 Valley Road Watchung, NJ 07069. To send condolences please visit www.higginsfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

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

Published by Courier News on Nov. 3, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for John Penn

13 Entries

Tony Przybylinski

November 11, 2013

So very sorry to hear about Jack's passing. Many good memories of him and his wonderful family. Our prayers to you all.

November 10, 2013

Truly a fine man. Met Jack when he became the Aeronautics Executive Director at the NJDOT. He was one of a kind -- enjoyed many Holiday Lunches together in Trenton. He will be missed. RIP Jack. My condolences Carol. Ginger Klosinski

Amy Cooper

November 6, 2013

Craig,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincere condolences, Amy J. Cooper

Marty Daub

November 5, 2013

We were saddened to learn of Jack's passing. Our deepest sympathy to you Carol and all the family. Marty & Al Daub

Joseph DuPont

November 4, 2013

What can you say when an aviation icon and friend dies? Besides being my Assemblyman , Jack was one of NJ's greatest friends of aviation. The Penn name has always been associated with with those who love aviation and the freedom it represents.

James Greller

November 4, 2013

Jack, a true gentleman and great friend, love you Jack

Kathryn and Donald Quick

November 4, 2013

Accept our sympathy upon the loss of this great man. You are all in our prayers

November 3, 2013

Dear Carol and family,

Jack and I are so very sorry for the loss of your Jack. He was always so full of life and so very kind. He will be missed by us and I am sure by a great many others.
Our deepest sympathy, Kathy and Jack

Jack Manno

November 3, 2013

Carol, I was so saddened to hear of Jack's passing. How can I ever forget the laughter we shared over the past 41 years! Jack was one of the kindest, funniest, and most inspirational men I've ever known. My life was made better by knowing him. One of the good guys, he will be sorely missed by everyone whose life he every touched.

Bobbi Gallagher

November 3, 2013

Dear Carol, Today we sang a special hymn in church..."Be still my soul, the hour is hastening on when we shall be forever with the LORD. Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored. Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed, we shall meet at last." Jack will be missed by family and friends, but we will be here to comfort you!

November 3, 2013

Carol,
So sorry to hear about Jack. I bet my Dad was there to welcome Jack and I'm sure that they have a new project that they are already working on.
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

Pat Gallagher

Linda Zajac

November 3, 2013

Jack was one of the kindest and most generous men I knew. Our years working together at DOT were some of the best of my career. He was loved and will be missed by many. My sincere condolences to his family on their loss. RIP Jack.

November 3, 2013

Jack was truly one of the "good guys" and it was always a pleasure to work with him, knowing he could be trusted and one whose word was as good as gold.
Gerry Flanzbaum

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