Charles V. Pennell

Charles 'Charlie' Vincent Pennell, 83, of Springvale, sang his last earthly song on Tuesday November 13, 2007 in Portland and is now a joyous member of the choir in heaven. Charlie was born on June 9, 1924 in New York City, NY, a son of Charles F. and May Pennell. He grew up in the 'Hell's Kitchen' area where his father owned a small store. He graduated from Haron High School in 1937. His vivid memories of childhood stories captivated and entertained his children and grandchildren at countless family gatherings.Charlie served in the US Army during WWII and it was while stationed at High Pine in Wells that he would meet the love of his life, Annette Mathieu at a U.S.O dance. Charlie would walk all the way from Wells to Springvale in the winter to court his future 'child bride' as he lovingly called her. They were happily married for 62 years. In the early 50's Charlie and Annette packed the car they had won in a contest and along with their baby boy Jeffrey, they set out for California to start a new life together. Their son Charles David was born in 1958 and the family settled in Fountain Valley, CA. Charlie had been employed by Kwikset Locks for 27 years retiring in 1982. By 1984 he and his family moved back to Maine to enjoy their retirement with family and friends they had been apart for so long. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus in California. In Maine he was a communicant of St. Ignatius Catholic Church, member of the Sanford American Legion, the Sanford/Springvale Fish and Game Club and he had served on the Sanford Warrant Committee.He is predeceased by his parents, two brothers, Vincent and William Pennell, one sister, Kitty Pennell. He is survived by his loving wife, Annette, two sons, Jeffrey Pennell of Michigan and David Pennell and his wife, Susan of Wells, six grandchildren, Sarah Pennell of Boston, Elizabeth Nowak and her husband, Rafael of Boston, Timothy Pennell and his wife Danielle of Wells, Eric and Amira Pennell of South Carolina, and Madeline Pennell of Michigan, also survived by one great grandson, Brady Pennell of Wells. We will miss you Pepere. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday November 17th at 11 :00 am at St. Ignatius Catholic Church-St. Therse of Lisieux Parish in Sanford. Burial will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery in Springvale.In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to the American Red Cross, 2401 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04102. Charlie proudly donated over 20 gallons of blood in his lifetime.Arrangements are under the direction of the Lafrance-Lambert & Black Funeral Home, 29 Winter Street in Sanford.To leave the family a meassage of condolence please use the "condolences" tab to the left.