George E Pennell

George E. Pennell, 80 of Rotterdam, passed away on Monday, April 28, 2014, one day shy of his 81st birthday, at Ellis Hospital, surrounded by his family. A lifelong Schenectady resident, George was a graduate of Nott Terrace High School. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1954.After his military service, George was employed at the Power & Light Company and General Electric. In 1961 he opened an Esso gas station on Nott Street, and in 1970 he opened the Mobil Service Station on Curry Road in Rotterdam. He also worked at Towne Construction and later worked with autistic children at Woodlawn School. George was passionate about baseball. He played on the US Army European Team and went on to play semi pro ball. Over the years he coached a number of youth baseball leagues including Northside, Mohawk Valley, Town Majors, and Carman Little League. A lover of sports, he also boxed and was an avid bowler, appearing on WRGB's TV Tournament Time. He was a member of the Rotterdam Elks Club and the VFW. His favorite pastimes included Sunday breakfast with "the gang" at the Blue Ribbon Diner, attending his grandchildren's athletic events, baby sitting the "family dog" Scout, and his trips to the Racino in Saratoga. George was predeceased by his son, David Pennell, who died in 1996. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Arlene Altieri Pennell; two daughters, Donna Pennell and Deena (Craig) Griffith; his sister, Vivian Gotta; four grandchildren, Lindsey and Hunter Griffith, Amanda Pennell-Baker, and Christopher Nisbet; four great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Friday morning from 10 am - 12 noon at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave. Funeral services will begin at 12 noon at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery. George's family would like to thank the ICU staff at Ellis Hospital for their help during his time there. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 510 St. Jude Dr. Memphis TN 38105 or to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave. Scotia, NY 12302. Memories and condolences may be left for the family at demarcostonefuneralhome.com.