Thomas Lee Penny

Thomas (Tom) Lee Penny left this world peacefully on June 20, 2021 at the age of 69 in Coshocton, Ohio. His battle with cancer reflected his courage in facing life challenges with optimism and a smile.  Tom came out a hero in this battle, and stayed strong until the very end with his beloved wife and his children by his side.

Tom was born on August 3, 1951 in Maysville, Kentucky. He was the third of five children of Neva and Charles Penny.  Tom is survived by his wife, Mary; his five children: Jonathan, Karen, Kristy, Amanda, and Dylan; one step- daughter, Melissa; and grandchildren. He is also survived by his four siblings: Patricia, Charlene, Richard and William. 

Tom graduated from Ohio School for the Deaf in 1971 and from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)/Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in 1977. He went on to work at the Columbus Colony Housing (CCH) shortly thereafter for several years as a manager, then as an accountant at the Defense Financial Accounting Service (DFAS) for 24 years. He also held several leadership roles in several organizations: Columbus Association for the Deaf (CAD), Central Athletic Association for the Deaf (CAAD), National Softball Association for the Deaf (NSAD), United States Association for the Deaf Basketball (USADB), and the United States Association for the Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF). Upon retiring in 2015, Tom was actively involved in serving on the Ohio School for the Deaf Alumni Association (OSDAA) Board in his spare time. He also enjoyed traveling, cooking, vegetable gardening, completing Sudoku puzzles, and playing cards with the family.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Tom, he had an uncanny ability to find happiness in the most mundane life circumstances and in daily activities. He enjoyed partaking in everyday conversations and participating in family leisure activities. His pleasant disposition was contagious to everyone he came in contact with. Tom doted on his family and was the happiest when his large brood surrounded him. Tom will also be fondly remembered for his leadership roles in the Deaf community. 

The world has lost a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and leader. His loving heart left a beacon of light for all in the Deaf community.  

Donations can be made to be used towards a memoriam in Tom’s honor. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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