Frances P. Pennisi

Troy-Frances Angeline Palumbo Pennisi, passed away peacefully at home on November 8, 2022.

Born 9/17/28 in Troy NY, she was the daughter of Cataldo (Charles) Palumbo and Gladys May Jones with two older sisters, Frances, who passed away in infancy, and Gladys.

Fran was a graduate of St Mary’s Parochial School and Catholic Central High School, class of 1946. Unfortunately, Fran lost both her parents before she turned 13. As her mother knew she was dying, she asked her dear friend, Sister Angeline, to care for her children.  Sister Angeline saw that they were well cared for and made arrangements for the sisters to live at St. Vincent’s Orphanage and St. Coleman’s Home until they turned 18.  

Upon turning 18, Fran went to New York Telephone to find a job. She was hired by NYT as an operator as she had nice long arms which was necessary for that position. She started her career there and soon became the Business Office Supervisor.  She was very proud of her career with NYT and enjoyed her work but was happily able to retire at the age of 54.

She married the love of her life, Sam Pennisi (Sebastian) in 1961.  They were happily married for 33 years until his death in 1994. Fran never found another love like that and she talked to Sam nightly as she slept with his picture on her nightstand. Sam and Fran were never blessed with children of their own but they had many children from the family and the neighborhood to spend time with.  Kids were frequently in their home, eating lunch and visiting.  Her great niece Karrie spent a lot of time there as well as the Albarellis, the Wingates, and the Magills.  She also had an abundance of nieces and nephews that she cherished; the Tario kids, the Pennisi kids, their spouses, and the great and great -great nieces and nephews. She loved spending time with them all. 

Upon retirement Fran stayed very busy and was an avid volunteer. She was part of the Ladies auxiliary at the Center Brunswick Fire House, she volunteered at the American Red Cross as a "grey lady.” She volunteered at the Millview Adult Home and St Mary’s Hospital for 16 years where she was honored as the Volunteer of the Year at both places. She embraced the Joseph House where she was also honored as their volunteer of the year and supported them enthusiastically as she was very proud of their mission. She attended Our Lady of Victory church for over 60 years and served as Eucharistic Minister and Martha’s Ministry as well. All who knew Fran loved her as she continued to make dear friends right up until her death:  "To know her was to love her.”

She is survived by her beloved brother-in-law and sister-in-law Joe and Carol Pennisi, her dear nieces Linda, Jude, and Joanne, Her best friend Paula Stopera, and her dear friends Theresa (Albarelli) Naples, Sharon Albarelli, Joseph Stopera, Eddie Phillips, Rosemary Turton, Kevin from TAUM ministries and Sandy Murphy.  

She wished to thank Jude, Paula, Sandy, Joanne, Nancy, Danielle and Kim as they all lovingly helped Fran transition to her eternal life. 

Her funeral mass will be Saturday, November 19th at Our Lady of Victory at 10:30 am.   Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Fran requests all who attend her funeral mass bring a canned/dry good to Church for donations to the Food Pantry at Joseph House. In lieu of flowers, Fran requests donation to the Joseph House and Shelter, Ferry Street in Troy.

For online condolences, please visit www.mcloughlinmason.com.