Jack E. Penrod

– Jack Earl Penrod, 98, Westmont, passed away on February 10, 2022.

He was born November 17, 1923, in Johnstown.

Survived by his loving wife of 61 years the former Vera Farmer; children Marjorie Penrod (Eric Wallar) New York City; John Penrod (George Hanna) Princeton, NJ; and Nancy Forrest (Ron Forrest), Princeton Junction, NJ.  Cherished grandfather of Joshua Forrest, John Wallar, Samantha Forrest, and Anne Wallar. 

Preceded in death by parents, Irwin and Clara (Hoffman) Penrod, sister Ruby and husband Hubert H. Mallinson, and sister Mary and husband Stanley “Pete” Kocher.

Jack graduated from Johnstown High School in 1941, and Penn State University (BS Industrial Engineering) in 1947.  During WWII, he served in the Army Field Artillery and Signal Corps and was selected for the Army’s Electrical Engineering program at Rutgers University, which supported wartime research for Oak Ridge National Laboratory. 

Following his graduation from Penn State, Jack began his career as a Sales Engineer with Turbine Equipment in New York City.  Jack returned to Johnstown in 1948 and joined Bethlehem Steel as an industrial engineer. During his 35 years of service, Jack held positions in the Inside Shops, Wheel and Axel Division, Labor Relations, Management Development, and retired as the Superintendent of Personnel Services.

Jack was active in the First Presbyterian Church for many years (formerly serving as Trustee Board President). He also served on local boards and advisory committees of the American Automobile Association, Red Cross, American Society of Personnel Administration, Community Nursing Board, Johnstown Vo-Tech Industrial Advisory, UPJ Engineering School, Junior Achievement, the Presbyterian Home, and the Penn State Alumni Association.  Jack loved laughing and socializing with family and friends, talking about current events, and reading the Wall Street Journal.  He also enjoyed playing golf and was a longtime member of Sunnehanna Country Club.

Friends will be received from 10:00am – 12:00pm on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Picking-Treece-Bennett Mortuary West Hills 921 Menoher Boulevard. Masks will be required. Friends and family are invited to remain for the service to be held immediately following at 12:00pm, the Reverend Alice Tondora, officiating.  Internment Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Jack to the First Presbyterian Church of Johnstown.

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