Joseph Patrick Pennachio

Husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, Joseph "Buddy" Pennachio born February 11, 1934 in the shadows of Yankee Stadium passed away peacefully at home on March 25, 2019 surrounded by the love of his family. After a courageous battle with thymus cancer, Dad decided to run to home plate. As an avid Yankee fan, baseball, cross country and golf coach, he had many accomplishments throughout his life. His biggest and proudest accomplishment was his loving family. He is survived by his adoring wife Valerie D'Andrea, daughters Lisa, Lori, Amy, and Gail, grandchildren, Heather, Leah, Marcus, and great grandson, Oliver.

Dad taught history at Elmont Memorial High School, Elmont, Long Island and English at Jefferson High School, Tampa, Florida. He retired after 40 years of teaching in the classroom to spend the rest of his life exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains with our mom and their two Pomeranians, Benny and Missy.

Dad hitchhiked to Fordum University where he received a degree in Political Science and later a Masters Degree in Education from St. John's University. One day while hitchhiking home, his future father-in-law picked him up, and as they got to talking, both realized their families knew each other. That was the beginning of a 65 year love affair between our parents. Our father remembered seeing our mother, Valerie, as a toddler in their neighborhood. Later when she was a teen, he joked that one day he would marry her - and he did. They were blessed to have four daughters whom he loved unconditionally. He was proud of each of his daughter’s academic, athletic, artistic and business accomplishments. He was most proud though that he and Valerie had raised independent women. He was the best dad in the world and he will be missed by all whom he met, and the thousands of students whom he affected throughout his careers. His smile, patience, humility, sense of humor and intelligence will be missed. Our dad is love and we will always have him in our hearts.