Plan for the Future
Allan D. Penner, 76, of Basking Ridge, NJ, and formerly of Florham Park, died on Saturday, July 20, 2013, after a short illness. Born in Northampton, MA, he was raised in Holyoke, MA, and New York City. He lived in Florham Park for more than forty-three years before moving in 2011 to Fellowship Village in Bernards Township.
Allan graduated in 1959 from Oberlin College, where he was one of the few non-Conservatory members of the Oberlin College Choir. After receiving his MEd from Boston University, he spent thirty-nine years in public and independent school education, first teaching English at Madison High School, then at Montclair Academy, and subsequently at Newark Academy, where he was English Department Chairman. His final employment was as Head of the Upper School at Morristown-Beard from 1980 to 2000. He also served on the Executive Board of the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools.
In retirement Allan was a volunteer for the Speakers’ Bureau at the New Jersey Sharing Network. He and his wife spoke to high school classes about the need and possibilities for organ donation. He was also on the Executive Board of the Colonial Crossroads Chapter for the American Red Cross.
Allan was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Bernice Penner; a sister, Lois Riley; and a daughter, Susan. He is survived by his wife, Ruth (nee Thaeler); a daughter, Deborah; grandchildren, Rachael and Catherine; and brothers, David and Richard.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 23, 2013, at twelve noon in the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township, where Allan was a member (240 Southern Boulevard, Chatham, NJ 07928.) Those who wish to make a donation in Allan’s memory may do so to the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township (Attention: Memorial Gifts Committee), The Sharing Network of NJ (691 Central Ave., New Providence, NJ 07974), or Somerset Hills Hospice (202 Mt. Airy Rd., Basking Ridge, NJ 07920,)