Frederick Alan Penney

Frederick Alan Penney, 74, a longtime resident of Chelmsford passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness on Saturday, July 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of MaryAnn (Monette) Penney with whom he shared 43 years of marriage.
He was born in Boston on October 23, 1950, and was the son of the late Frederick S. and Ethel (Luce) Penney.
Fred spent his early years in Medford before moving to Tewksbury, where he graduated from Tewksbury Memorial High School.
In 1971, Fred proudly enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, serving most recently as an "Aviation Boatswain's Mate Fuels" with deployments to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Cuba and the USS Ranger CV/CVA-61. He later continued his service with a year in the Army National Guard, completing his military service in 1977. Fred carried his dedication to service and discipline throughout his life.
Fred settled in Chelmsford where he resided with his wife MaryAnn for 42 years.
Professionally, Fred worked as an Electromechanical Technician for several notable companies including Wang Laboratories, Honeywell Bull, Lockheed Martin, and Comet Plastics of Chelmsford. Most recently in retirement, Fred remained active, working part-time for Gentle Arms Daily Transportation in Chelmsford.
Fred will be remembered for his love for family and the simple joys of life. He was happiest surrounded by his grandchildren watching Disney movies. Never without his signature flannel, jeans, and hat. Fred always enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden, camping, reading, and learning about history, specifically World War II. He also took pleasure in completing puzzles and never missed an episode of Survivor.
In addition to his loving wife, Frederick leaves his children Nicole Penney of Chelmsford, Brett Peterson and his wife April of Nashua, NH; and Chad Penney and his wife Kendra of North Chelmsford. He was a proud and loving grandfather to six grandchildren Chloe, Ethan, Myah, Calvin, Carson, and Karmen. He is also survived by his sister Susan E. Hicks and her husband David of Tewksbury, his sister Janet L. Thompson and her husband Richard, and his brother Richard S. and his wife Marielle, all of Nashua, NH.
Fred's warmth, wisdom, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent in Frederick's name to the:
VA Bedford Healthcare System
CDCE (135)
200 Springs Road
Bedford, Massachusetts 01730
Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 4 pm - 7 pm at the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. His funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 10 am at West Chelmsford United Methodist Church, 242 Main St., North Chelmsford. Kindly gather at the church. Interment to follow in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford.