Matthew L. Penna

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2022 at 6:02 pm

HOLLEY – Matthew L. Penna, 77, passed away May 5, 2022 at Unity Hospital following a long illness. He was surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 4, 1944 in Holley, a son of the late Donald and Catherine (Pace) Penna and had lived in this area all of his life.

Matt was an entrepreneur, he started MCM Fuel, MCM Heating and Cooling and also owned and operated Matt’s Sports Printing Company, all in Holley. He played the drums throughout high school and after was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps. Matt was also one of the drummers for the band, Show Stoppers. He was an avid sportsman, playing all sports in high school and after played on multiple softball teams traveling all over the state and winning many tournaments. He was a great lover of Italian food, Italian restaurants, his wife Charlene’s cooking and having coffee at Sam’s Restaurant in Holley. Most importantly, Matt’s biggest love was being with his family, especially Sunday dinners when they all could be together.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Jerome, Donald and John; his sisters Madelyn, Carolyn (Richard) Nenni and Kathleen Gifaldi.

Matt is survived by his wife of 44 years, Charlene; his children Paul Penna, Jodi (Richard) Gaines, Alan Penna, Matthew Penna and Kate Penna; grandchildren Ohia Stults, Christian Gaines and Brian Penna; great-granddaughter Rosie Gaines; step-grandchildren Luke and Kyle Gaines; step-great-grandchildren Avery, Willow and Jackson Gaines; sister Joanne (Richard) Aldrich; mother-in-law Rose Gifaldi; as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Homes, Inc. 16650 State Rte. 31 Holley om Wednesday, May 11^th, from 4 to 7 p.m. His Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Holley. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Holley Community Center, 75 Public Square, Holley NY 14470.

To share a special memory of Matt, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.