Brother Patrick I. C.F.X.

Brother Patrick I. Pennell, CFX, 95, a member of the Congregation of the Brothers of Saint Francis Xavier for seventy-five years, died Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Born in Cambridge on December 21, 1930, he was the son of the late Joseph and Zita (Sutton) Pennell. He was raised in Somerville where he was first introduced to the Xaverian Brothers at Saint Joseph's School. He graduated from Saint John's High School in North Cambridge and entered the Congregation on September 19, 1950. On March 19, 1951, he was vested in the Xaverian habit and given the religious name Brother Gavril.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Catholic University and did graduate studies at Laval University and Howard University before receiving master's degrees from both Rivier College and Fordham University.

His teaching ministry brought him to Ryken High School in Leonardtown, MD in 1956 as a member of the foreign language department. In 1961, he went north to Xaverian High School in Brooklyn, NY where he would faithfully serve generations of students as a foreign language teacher, guidance counselor, and track coach throughout the following forty-two years.

In 2003, Brother Pat moved to Xaverian House in Danvers where he took on the role of Assistant Director of the community there. During his time at Xaverian House, he served his brothers with tireless devotion until his retirement at age 90 in 2021.

Besides his brothers in religion, he leaves two siblings, Joseph Pennell of Everett and Rena McNeill of Marshfield, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers, Leo and William Pennell, and a sister, Sarah Casey.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 11AM in Saint Richard's Church, 90 Forest St., Danvers. Burial will follow in Xaverian Brothers Cemetery, Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. Visitation will be held in the church prior to Mass beginning at 10AM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Brother Pat's name may be made to the Xaverian Brothers Retirement Fund, 4409 Frederick Ave., Baltimore, MD 21229. Arrangements are by C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. For directions or to leave a condolence, visit www.LyonsFuneral.com.