Obituary of John Stanton Penn, Sr.

John "Jack" Stanton Penn, of Bedminster, NJ passed away on Friday, November 1, 2013 in Lyons Veterans Hospital, Basking Ridge, NJ. Jack was born on November 26, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in Westfield and attended Columbia University. He served with the United States Marine Corps, in the Pacific, during World War II, on active duty from 1943-46. Jack lived many lives. He started his career racing cars, culminating in winning the 12 Hour Grand Prix in Sebring, Florida in 1955. He then turned to sales where until his passing; he was President of Penn White Company dealing in commercial real estate. But his legacy will be in his public service to Somerset County and the State of New Jersey. Starting as Watchung Borough Republican Municipal Chairman, he moved to Somerset County GOP Chairman and then to State Assemblyman for the 16th Legislative District for 10 years. During that time he served on the Somerset County Board of Taxation, Chair of the Somerset County Mental Health Board, and the Somerset Council on Alcohol, among many others. But he didn't stop his service there; he was appointed Executive Director of the Division of Aviation by Governor Christie Whitman. He earned his private pilot license at an early age and his love of flying never left him. He was a strong advocate of general aviation, founding member of NJAA and a member of the Quiet Birdmen. As a private pilot and a glider pilot who flew for the Marines in WWII, he was inducted into the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame in 1998. None of that took away from his time with his family. His love and devotion for family included his wife Carol, his children, daughter Debra and husband Sandy Joren, and sons, Tyler and wife Meg Penn and Craig and wife Debbie Penn and daughter in law, Kerry Penn. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kelly, Shannon, Sara Beth, Matty, Lindsay and Ethan and great-grandchildren Lola and Luca. He is pre-deceased by his two sons, John Jr., and Tracy Penn and his first wife, Tyl Penn. His kindness and generosity of spirit will be remembered by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ Visitation will be held on Monday, November 4, 2013 from 1-3 pm & 6-9 pm at Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung NJ 07069. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at 11:00 am at Wilson Memorial Union Church, 7 Valley Road Watchung, NJ 07069.