Robert Lee Pennell, age 84, of Port Deposit, Maryland, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026. Born in Port Deposit on February 10, 1941, he was the beloved son of the late John Engle Pennell and Wilhemina (née Stimax) Pennell, and the devoted husband of Helen Christina (née Widman) Pennell.
Bob served his country proudly in the United States Army from 1961 to 1964 as a member of Company B, 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion. His military service was a source of quiet pride and reflected his lifelong sense of duty and commitment.
Following his service, Bob dedicated over 30 years of his life to Chrysler, where he worked painting cars on the assembly line. A man of strong work ethic and quiet pride, he was well respected by his coworkers and took great satisfaction in a job well done until his retirement.
In his free time, Bob was a skilled and passionate craftsman. He found great joy in wood carving, especially creating birds and dogs. Many of his carvings remain treasured keepsakes. He also enjoyed refinishing furniture, with many pieces holding special meaning for his family. Bob had a talent for making rings and jewelry, which he lovingly gifted to family and friends. Ever willing to lend a hand, he also enjoyed working on cars and was always ready to help those in need. In his younger years, he enjoyed bicycle riding.
Bob will be remembered as an all-around good man — a wonderful storyteller with a great sense of humor, and a compassionate soul who would do anything for anyone. His kindness, generosity, and warmth left a lasting impression on all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Helen Christina Pennell; his children, Thomas Lee Pennell and wife Tammy, Gerald Lee Pennell and wife Tina, James Lee Pennell and wife Lisa, Donna Marie Gordon, and Steven Wayne Gordon; his grandchildren, Samantha, Thomas, Tyler, Chase, Cage, Peyton, and Liam; his great-grandchildren, Mikey, Grady, Kaia, and Waylon; his brother, Dale Pennell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at R.T. Foard Funeral Home, 111 South Queen Street, Rising Sun, Maryland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, 150 South Queen Street, Rising Sun, Maryland. Burial will follow at Nottingham Cemetery in Nottingham, Pennsylvania.