Harry Victor Penn

Harry Victor Penn passed away peacefully on November 9, 2024, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Frances; daughter, Lauren (Tammy), and sons, Victor, Stephen, and Joseph (Sarah); two grandsons, Luke Penn and Ciaran Fischer; his sister, Pamela Barrow (Michael); and three nephews, and cousins, Victoria (Craig) Zimmaro and William (Dotsy) Penn. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Amy Frances Penn; and parents, Harry Leo Penn, Jr. and Ruth Jeannette Hoskinson Penn. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Saint Anthony Mary Claret, 686 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach, Florida.
Born in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, Vic moved to Miami, Florida at the age of nine after his father and uncle decided to permanently extend their family's Spring Break vacations. He grew up in Miami where he excelled playing baseball, football, and basketball. A lifelong fan of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Marlins, Vic shared his enthusiasm for these teams with his family and friends and enjoyed talking sports with his children. As he liked to remind people, the 1972 Dolphins remain the only team in National Football League history to achieve an undefeated season.
After attending one year of college at Tennessee Wesleyan, Vic enlisted in the United States Army and served his nation with honor, bravely fulfilling his duty in the Vietnam conflict. When asked why he left school and enlisted, Vic would proudly say, "Because I am a patriot".
After the Army, Vic returned to Miami, where he met the love of his life, Fran, while working for Southern Bell. The installation of her landline telephone, originally a quick one-hour job, somehow stretched into several days. Fran's first call was from Vic, whom pretended to be his supervisor inquiring about the installer. Fran must have given a glowing review as it led Vic to ask her out on a date. Their love blossomed, and they enjoyed fifty-three wonderful years of marriage together.
After their marriage, Vic fulfilled a lifelong dream by enrolling at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy. Following graduation, the Penns left South Bend, an area Vic humorously described as having only two seasons, Winter and August; and returned to Miami. He made a lighthearted vow never to live further north than Bird Road in Miami.
Vic exemplified unwavering love and devotion to his wife and children. He was a constant source of support and encouragement, always prioritizing their needs and aspirations. Whether coaching his children's softball, baseball, and volleyball teams, volunteering at the school dances (much to the chagrin of his daughter), or cheering his sons' football games from the sidelines, he was deeply committed to nurturing their growth and happiness. His dedication to his family was evident in every aspect of his life.
Vic was a devoted advocate for veterans, dedicating over sixteen years to helping those who served our country. He specialized in assisting veterans and their families through the overwhelming process of securing vital financial support. Through his unwavering commitment, Vic touched the lives of thousands of veterans. His dedication to the veteran community was immeasurable, and his legacy of service continues to live on through his sons, whom now carry forward his mission of helping veterans and their families.
Vic was a lifelong Catholic who loved and defended the Catholic faith. For twelve years, he hosted a Sunday morning talk show, Faithful & True, teaching Catholic doctrine and dogma to a wide audience. In addition to working in the insurance industry, he was a high school theology teacher and dedicated his later years to sharing the tenants of Catholicism with inmates at Holmes Correctional Institution. Vic cherished the beauty and reverence of the Traditional Latin Mass and held a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. He was instrumental in bringing the Latin Mass to the Miramar Beach area, embodying a true "Bells of St. Mary" story when Barbara Grimaldi, a devout Catholic, donated valuable land for the establishment of St. Anthony Mary Claret chapel, where the Latin Mass continues to be celebrated today.
Vic was an incredible storyteller and had an extraordinary quick-wit. He loved his afternoon cigar on the porch while watching the wildlife in his backyard. He could find humor in almost anything. He brought life and laughter into every room. His family and friends will miss him dearly but take solace knowing he is at peace with Our Lord Jesus Christ, whom he served with his whole heart.
Visitation is Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., while funeral mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. The services will be held at The Chapel of 30A on 61 Topsail Village Drive in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.