Penna, Justino (Gus) G.

Justino G. (Gus) Penna, 85, of Avon, Connecticut, passed away February 27, 2023, at home. He was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Lillian (D'amore) and Vincenzo Penna on February 7, 1938. He grew up in Springfield with his three brothers and two sisters in a close-knit Italian-american family with many friends, cousins, aunts and uncles in his daily life and support network. He graduated from Commerce High School class of 1956 where he developed lifelong friendships. He always remembered his youth in Springfield fondly. Gus then attended American International College in Springfield where he was the first person in his family to attend college and developed a passion for education. He then attended Boston College where he received a Masters in Education. During these years he met the love of his life, Janet E. (Fagnani) Penna, his wife of 59 years.

After graduation, he taught high school business classes in Rocky Hill, CT. Later he moved to Avon and became the Asst. Superintendent of Schools in Avon, CT a position he held for 30 years. His dedication to education helped propel Avon to be one of the best school districts in the state. Upon retirement he then worked in a consulting role at Capitol Regional Education Council (CREC) developing and building magnet schools throughout the Hartford area.

Gus was a truly dedicated family man and took pride in watching his family grow and prosper. Gus was a devoted father and grandfather of nine spending as much time as he could with them.

He loved working around the house and was an avid gardener. He was always fond of the great tomatoes he grew each summer. One of his greatest interests was the opera. His favorite composers were Verdi, Puccini, and Wagner, he and Jan attended many performances at the Metropolitan Opera in NYC. They were able to attend operas in renowned opera houses including La Scala and the Vienna Opera House.

He and Jan loved to travel and took many trips to Europe including a special trip to his father's birthplace in Calabria, Italy. Gus and Jan escaped to Florida for a few months each winter, entertaining and visiting with friends and family.

Gus is survived by his loving wife, Janet; children, Jerome (Katy) Penna of Coto de Caza, CA, Ellen (Paul) Giere of Apple Valley, MN, Thomas (Richard) Penna of Canton, CT, and James (Sharon) Penna of Avon, CT; grandchildren: Elizabeth, Peter, Jack, Chris, Justin, Kate, Matthew, Luke, and Benjamin, brother Paul Penna, sister Louise Scarnici as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends and is preceded by his parents, Lillian and Vincenzo Penna, brothers: Stephen Penna and Vincenzo (Rosemary) Penna, and sister, Germaine (Albert) Senecal.

Friends may call at The Ahern Funeral Home, 111 Main St., Rt. 4, Unionville on Sunday, March 5 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Funeral procession from The Ahern Funeral Home will be Monday, March 6 at 10:15 am followed by the Funeral Liturgy in the Church of St. Ann in Avon, CT at 11:00 am. Memorial donations can be made to The American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284. To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.