Dale Ashley Penny

Dale Ashley Penny, 76 of Empire passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Dale was born on December 15, 1936 in Lynn, Indiana to the late George Ashley and Florence (Moore) Penny. He married Sharon Rose Duggan on August 14, 1959 in Pontiac Mi. Together they lovingly raised six wonderful children.

Dale honorably answered the call of duty for the United States serving in the both the United States Navy and Air force. The family accompanied Dale wherever he was stationed, including Germany for several years before landing in Empire in 1973. After retiring from the Air Force, he was employed by the Department of Defense as a Quality Assurance Representative. He took pride in the fact that his kids all graduated from the same high school. Following his retirement in 1997, Dale and Sharon traveled extensively across the continental U.S. including three trips to Alaska. Dale's greatest joy came from seeing his family grow and sharing in their accomplishments. He spoke glowingly about every scholar and athlete in his family. Dale also loved to spend time in his woodshop, crafting heirlooms for his children and grandchildren, ensuring that a part of him would endure through countless generations.

Dale was a member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church and his faith was very important to him. He also was a member of the Paul T. and Francis Johnson Foundation, serving on the Scholarship Committee. He will be missed by those who knew him; he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Surviving Dale is his wife Sharon of 53 years, children Laura (Raymond) Salisbury, Dale Jr. Penny, Sharolyn (Don) Hendrick, Kevin (Tina) Penny, Thomas (Teletha) Penny, David (Christie) Penny, grandchildren, Bryan, Marc, Stephen, Dale, Sharon, Penny, Michael, Jonathon, Annabeth, Jessica, Jacob, Christopher, Krystal, Kaitlyn and Amanda, great grandchildren ,Juliana, Wyatt, Connor, Henry, Greg, Skylar, Chloe, Zackary, Hunter, and Alyse, sisters Vada and Vivian and many other loving family members and friends.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Leland, grandsons, Kevin and Michael Penny, brothers, James, Richard, and Billy.

Visitation for Dale will take place on Monday, April 1, 2013 at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire from 4-8pm with a rosary held at 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, April 2, at 11am with a visitation held one hour prior. Burial will take place at a later time at Empire Maple Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice of Michigan.