BATH — Leon B. Pennell, Jr., 90, of Bath, Maine, left this life with the going tide on Wednesday, July 18, 2012.

“Penn” was born in Winnegance on June 19, 1922, the only child of Leon B., Sr. and Myra Merritt Pennell. He attended Bath schools and graduated from Morse High School in 1940. Following graduation, he was employed by the New England Telephone Company for two years before enlisting in the Naval Aviation Cadet Program. He completed his flight training in 1944 at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, receiving his wings and officer commission. On December 12, 1944, he sent the following telegram home to Bath: “Commissioned this morning, married this afternoon,” and thus began his 67 year-long marriage to Cora E. Durant of Bath.

Penn served as a flight instructor in New Orleans and Norman, Oklahoma until his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1945. The couple returned to Maine and he resumed his employment with the telephone company, eventually retiring in 1984 after 44 years of dedicated service.

Active in the Bath community, Penn served on the Planning Board, the Telephone Pioneers, and the Bath High School Alumni Association. He faithfully organized monthly luncheons for the Class of 1940, and attended his 72nd alumni banquet in June. He was a member of the Bath Lodge of Elks, the American Legion, the National Rifle Association, the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, Ducks Unlimited, the Lower Kennebec Land Trust, Friends of Seguin, and the Nature Conservancy.

Known as “Grampy Penn” to all, he was a devoted family man, a loyal friend, a proud member of the Greatest Generation, a true officer and a gentleman. Born with saltwater in his veins, he had a great interest in the maritime history of the local area and took pride in being part of the Pennellville lineage. With his quick wit and wry sense of humor, Penn told a great joke, and the more he liked you the more he teased you. He taught every child in the family how to play cribbage by the time they could count, and fancied himself “the champ” – some called it luck but he knew it was skill. He never met a chocolate bar or a chocolate lab he didn’t like. He carried dog treats in his pockets and a 5-spot up his sleeve. From the time his grandfather gave him his first boat at the age of 6, Penn spent every free minute exploring the Maine coast. After boating for 8-plus decades, he proudly claimed to know every rock in his beloved Kennebec River. Blessed with 28 healthy years of retirement, Penn woke up every morning and asked Cora, “Where should we go today?,” and off they went. Whether by land, sea, or air, Penn was always up for an adventure. Duck hunting was his true passion, and nothing came between him and Opening Day. He was happiest at the Duck Camp, whether hunting with his longtime friends, fishing with his grandchildren, playing fetch with the family dogs, or simply watching the sun set across the marsh. His finest legacy is the deep appreciation of nature and love of the Maine outdoors that he instilled in his children and grandchildren. However, his deepest regret in life is that he never learned to speak Polish (tee hee).

Surviving are his 4 daughters Joyce Marco and husband Gil, Jan Morse and companion Bob Graves, Lynne Atkinson, and Jeanne McNeill; his “honorary daughter” Sue Rodgers and husband Phil; his 7 grandchildren Joey and Jason Marco, Josh and Jack Harte, Jillian Atkinson, and Jake and Jacelyn McNeill; his 3 greatgrandchildren Avery and Deirdre Harte, and Wyatt Marco; his cousin David Small, wife Jemry, and son Dennison; countless cherished nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends; and Rusty.

He was predeceased by his parents; his wife Cora, who passed away in December 2011; his daughter Lee Pennell; and his granddaughter Amanda Marco.

Penn’s family deeply appreciates the compassionate care he received from the staff at Mid Coast Hospital, as well as the many calls, cards and visits he received from dear friends during his stay there. They wish to specially thank neighbors Jennifer and Leon Doyle, who along with their daughter Sydney and chocolate lab Kadence, brought so much joy to his days.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church in Bath on Friday, July 27, 2012 at 1:00 pm. After Mass, Penn will be buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, along with his soul mate and first mate, Cora. A reception will follow at the Kennebec Tavern, where they lovingly docked the Afta Five for many years.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions in Penn’s name may be made to the Bath High School Alumni Association or to the Nature Conservancy.

Arrangements are by Desmond Funeral Homes. Condolences may be expressed at www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.