Obituary of Sidney Paul Penner

Sidney Paul Penner (“Sid”) was a Christ centered and family-oriented man. Words cannot fully describe the legacy of family and work relationships he built after 62 years here with us.

Sidney (“Sid”) Paul Penner was born June 25, 1959 in Hamilton, New York.  He died May 20, 2022 in Melbourne, Florida.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Brenda (Saunders) Penner, married 39 years June 25, 1983; and their three children, Ashley (Jonathan) Sassone of Texas; Amanda (Klaas) Hinderdael of Virginia; Michaela (Cameron) Walker of North Dakota; and five lovely granddaughters: Eva (pre-deceased Sid), Marie, Quinn, Saylor, Logan, and Everly; his brother James Penner and sister Kathy Hamilton, and many nieces and nephews. 

When Sid was eight years of age, he and his family moved to Venice, Florida. He attended Venice Elementary, Venice Junior and Senior High, graduating with the class of 1977.  That same year he enlisted in the United States Air Force.

After a long and honorable career in the military, thirty-nine years (39) later, Sid retired as a Chief Master Sergeant (the highest Air Force military ranking he could achieve as an enlisted man). Seven (7) years of those thirty-nine, Sid was deployed with his unit all around the world, including deployments in: Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Korea, Spain, and Pakistan.

Members of his military unit use words to describe Sid as: humble, dependable, trustworthy, a quiet leader among them, kind, principled, and no doubt, a warrior. The men and women who served with Sid inherently knew his work to accomplish their duty was solid and unquestioned in the end.  Sid had their back in any situation and they knew it. They trusted him with their lives and he showed them their trust in him was not squandered. Those who served with him also knew of his love for his family, as Sid spoke of them often with great joy to all who would listen. He was a man who embodied humility and honesty across different facets of his rich life and he made those around him better.

Here are just a few of his accomplishments he earned during his service: a Bronze Star, Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device with seven oak leaf clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Reserves Forces Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters, National Defense Medal with two bronze stars, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one bronze star, Iraq Campaign Medal with one bronze star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Longevity Service with three oak leaf clusters, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with two devices, Small Arms Expert marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal.

He retired in June of 2015 with a ceremony that included family and beloved friends and co-workers.

After his long military service, Sid enjoyed spending time with his family, going for walks on the beach, attending daily Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. He was a deeply devoted man and his Faith in Lord Jesus was strong. He and his beloved wife and best friend, Brenda, attended Mass daily and found peace worshipping together.

Sid’s family will attest that he certainly had a silly and great sense of humor about him.  Humor permeated the Penner family- inside jokes and family shorthand was noticed and enjoyed by anyone spending time in their presence. Much laughter was had by all; especially when the warrior dad comes out with his famous motto: “It’s all fun and games until…”

Sid often served/donated to his local food pantry, and in lieu of flowers, the family appreciates charitable donations to your local food pantry.

A memorial service will be held at Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota Street., Venice, FL 34285. The date of the service is June 6, 2022 at 10:45 a.m. Burial service to follow at: Venice Memorial Gardens, 1950 Center Road, Venice, FL 34292.

Sid’s family and friends extend their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this time.