Penny

~

Michael O’Reilly

I have lots of memories of Penny. Great guy and friend. We read books together and discussed. He was a willing and cheerful worker, always willing and eager to climb 25 foot ladders! Not me.. always smiling, happy, cheerful, never a mean or gossiping word. Truly a good and decent man. I loved dancing with Penny. Had rhythm and knew how to move to music. Excellent dancer. Danced with a certain grace. I miss him already. Gone too soon. — Jeff Hutchins.

Penny was a jewel and I originally met him in 2006, funny, articulate and down right to earth. I feel very blessed and privilege to have known him, may his spirit always be a shining star in our hearts, GOD BLESS YOUR SPIRIT PENNY, SHINE BRIGHT! — Bernard Boynkin

The last time I saw him at a dance he pulled me aside and said “What I wish for you is that you would think less and celebrate more.” — Rebecca Abisdris

Penny was one of the nicest people I know, he will be missed. — Peter Lang

I did not know Penny well, but I remember him as someone always helpful and encouraging to new dancers like myself, helping others to discover the joy he himself found in dancing. — Chris Murray

I'm in total shock. Very sad news. Penny will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. I'm glad I got the opportunity to know him. — Bobby Poyner

I’m devastated to hear this. Penny was always kind and welcoming to me. I only knew him for a short time but I will miss him greatly. 😞 — Tracy Ruppman

OMG! He was the nicest guy! He will be missed. :-( — Rich Sehnert 

He will be missed! He was one of the nicest guys I ever met. — MJ Collins-Ruebensam

I will always remember Penny for his willingness to give a helping hand! Several years ago I was home watching TV and poof, half the house went dark. So out came the extension cords until I could call an electrician. During one of the Thursday night square dances I was lamenting about my electrical problem and Penny said he was an electrician and was willing to come over and take a look. After going room to room he figured out what the problem was, a loose wire in one of the light switches and quickly resolved the problem and poof my house was fully lit up! I was very grateful for his help. Then in April I went I broke my leg skiing he sent me a get well text stating that he would be happy to help me again with getting Rx's groceries or whatever I needed. He was a very sweet man always ready to help. I will miss his friendship, his great Halloween costumes and dancing with him! — Gloria Maile

Penny was always the sweetest dance partner. — Paul Caulfield

A couple of years ago Penny joined my Plus class all the way up in Kenilworth. He took the train up there once a week. Penny was such a wonderful addition to the class. He was an excellent dancer. Explain a call once and he had it. Yet he was always patient with those who needed a little more time. He was just a wonderful presence. I got to tell him how much I admired him about a month ago. He seemed so alive. It was a shock to hear he'd passed away so soon after. The man had courage and kindness. I feel lucky to have known him. — Bruce Holmes

I'm still coming to terms with this loss. But everyone in this picture is smiling . . . and it's because we all got to dance with Penny and laugh with Penny, make delightful fools of ourselves with Penny. Such sweet sadness. — Jack Neiditch

Chi-Town Squares is Chicago's LGBTQ* Modern Square Dance Club