John Pennetta III, a lifelong resident of Pelham NY, died peacefully at Calvary hospital on Sunday August 2nd 2020. He was 61 years old. John was born to John Pennetta Jr. and Aqualina Carmella LaValla in New Rochelle, NY. He attended Hutchinson Elementary School before graduating from Pelham Memorial High School. John would later attend the Fire Academy before joining the Village of Pelham Fire Department.

When John was 16 years old he would lose his mom suddenly. He began working part-time cleaning pools and as a gas station attendant while in High School. To say John was a hard worker and a caring person would be an understatement, he quickly learned the value of an honest day’s work and became an independent man at a relatively young age.

After graduating from the Fire Academy, John joined the Village of Pelham Fire Department…first as a volunteer and later full-time. While working for the fire department John would also work at the Empire Auto Dealership in Mount Vernon as a mechanic and as a bouncer for various nightclubs in the city. John was also the proprietor of the “Firehouse Deli” on 5th Avenue. He enjoyed spending time with his customers. John had great charisma and a warm heart.

In his younger years he was an avid golfer, was part of a men’s softball team, and played pool billiards. In his spare time as he grew older John loved to play cards, travel to Atlantic City, vacation to the Caribbean Islands with his wife, or play monopoly with his daughters. He would spend hours either fixing computers at home or spending time with his friends at the Renaissance Deli.

To most John will be remembered for his honesty and his playful and sometimes wisecrack remarks, but most of all he will be remembered for his generous heart. He was a compassionate man, a lovable and friendly gentleman, who would do anything for his family and friends, and served his community well. He was blessed with a beautiful family whom he adored, his wife and children were his world. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends in Pelham.

John is survived by his wife Elizabeth, his daughters Karla, Pam, and Jackie, his loving mother-in-law Maria, his dog Milo, his sister Joanne (Kenneth) Hurlie, his nephew Jeffrey, his sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nephews, and his many friends. John will be missed by everyone who knew him.

A Celebration of John’s life will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church located at 575 Fowler Avenue Pelham Manor, New York on Thursday August 6th at 10:00 am. For more information or to leave a condolence please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com

Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.