Obituary of Charles Penrose, Jr.

Charles “Charlie” Penrose, a 50-year resident of Darien, died on January 19, 2007 at Waveny Care Center in New Canaan. Born October 9, 1921 in Philadelphia, Mr. Penrose grew up there and attended Chestnut Hill Academy and was graduated from Episcopal Academy. A member of the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry before WWII, Mr. Penrose served in one of the last horse-mounted cavalry units. After Pearl Harbor, Mr. Penrose left the horses behind and took a commission in the U. S. Army Air Corps, serving at various posts stateside and marrying Ann (Cantwell) Penrose before being shipped off to the South Pacific in 1943. Mr. Penrose served as Captain and Executive Officer for the 38th Fighter Squadron of the 8th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force in New Guinea and other islands until war’s end in 1945. Mr. Penrose returned to the Philadelphia area and worked in sales for several paper companies, including A. M. Collins, Fitchburg Paper and International Paper. Mr. Penrose was called back to active duty during the Korean Conflict and served as a Captain in the U. S. Army, 109th Field Artillery, stationed in West Germany. Later, Mr. Penrose took a position with The Newcomen Society of the United States, a not-for-profit organization chartered to study and promote business history, eventually rising to the post of President and Chief Executive Officer. In this capacity Mr. Penrose traveled around the country for over 30 years working with the leaders of America’s major companies, educational institutions and civic organizations. Mr. Penrose served many not-for-profit organizations, including as trustee for the British American Educational Foundation, the Sandwich (NH) Historical Society and the Stanley Museum in Kingfield, ME. From childhood, Mr. Penrose spent summers at his beloved “Briar Farm” in North Sandwich, NH and, after retirement in 1988, became active in many local organizations there. A long-time member of the Tokeneke Club, Mr. Penrose loved to play tennis and paddle tennis and walk Mr. Penrose was an avid reader, particularly maritime and military history, and authored “They lived on a Rock in the Sea: the Isles of Shoals in Colonial Days.” At the age of 80, Mr. Penrose spearheaded the publication and exhibition of the paintings of John Prentiss Benson, a noted Boston School artist. In the past several years, Mr. Penrose helped his nephew, Brett Meeker of Norwalk, restore a 1942 military jeep with plans to ride it in the upcoming Memorial Day parade. Mr. Penrose is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ann of Darien, sons James of New York City, Thomas of Norwalk, CT and John of Wayland, MA, and grandchildren Julia, Charlotte, Isabel and Benjamin. Mr. Penrose is also survived by his sister, Barbara Penrose Tarbell, and his sister-in-law, Mrs. Julian d’Este Penrose, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Memorial Service will be held at Noroton Presbyterian Church, Darien, CT. Saturday, January 27, 2007 at 11:30AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Darien Community Association, 274 Middlesex Road, Darien, CT 06820. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820