Robert J. Penza

Robert J. "Bob" Penza, 87, of Medway died unexpectedly on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. He was the beloved husband of Marie E. (DiGirolamo) Penza since 1960. Bob was a resident of Medway since 1967.

Born in Walpole on February 24, 1938, he was the son of the late Domenic F. and Frances M. (DiGregorio) Penza. He fondly reminisced about growing up in Walpole, enjoying family and friends. He graduated from Walpole High School in 1955. Following high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and served for four years in Hawaii and Quonset Point, RI during the Vietnam era.

Bob spent most of his professional career as a production and operations manager, leading teams in several high-tech New England corporations. As a supervisor, he found great satisfaction leading and nurturing employee success and developing new products. Later in his career, he was able to fulfill an early goal teaching high school at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical in Franklin. Throughout his career, Bob cherished a continuing pursuit of knowledge, earning bachelor's degree from Framingham College and his MBA from Leslie College.

Bob had a lifelong love for music, playing several instruments. He enjoyed taking accordion lessons and sharing music with all. He played alto saxophone with "The Tune Timers" at the Holliston Senior Center on Fridays for over 15 years, developing a great camaraderie with many outstanding musicians and establishing lasting friendships. As a man of great faith, he also enjoyed working and volunteering at the Fatima Shrine in Holliston for many years.

Most of all, Bob cherished the time spent with his devoted family. Besides his wife, he is survived by two sons Brett Penza and his wife Kathleen of Uxbridge and David Penza and his partner Laura McPherson of Wrentham.

He is also survived by three grandchildren Amanda Shea and her husband David of Holden, Maggie Penza and her fiancé Brad Goodwin of Quincy, and Daniel Penza and his wife Elizabeth of Medway, three great-grandchildren Samantha, Connor and Sophia, and many nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Pat, Rita, Carlo, Donald, Natali "Joe", and Domenic Penza, and Marie Buchanan.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church, 151 Village Street in Medway on Friday, February 13th at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in South Walpole.

Calling hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob's memory to the VA Boston Healthcare System, West Roxbury Campus (135), 1400 VFW Parkway, West Roxbury, MA. 02132.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Crowley Funeral Home, 3 Barber Street in Medway ginleyfuneralhomes.com