Colonel, U.S.A. Army (Retired) Hubert F. Penney
March 27, 1932 – January 12, 2025
Colonel (Retired) Hubert F. Penney passed away on January12, 2025 at age 92 following a short illness. He was born on March 27, 1932, in Providence, Rhode Island to Alexander and Berther (Landry) Penney. In 1953, he married Paulette Ann (Nadeau) Penney, in a union that lasted 71 years and produced two children, Dana and Jeff.
His 25 years in the Army included service in Vietnam as commander of the 215 th Combat Support Battalion, 1 st Cavalry Division, director of Combat Developments U.S. Army Quartermaster School, Fort Lee, VA, then commander of the U.S. Army Natick Research and Development Command. He completed requirements at the Army and Naval War Colleges, and the Quartermaster Officer Advanced Course. Among his military honors are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with OLC.
Hugh received his BS degree in Marketing and Advertising from the University of Rhode Island, and his MBA from the University of Illinois.
Hugh was able to balance his military career and family life in part by always being present in the moment. He was all soldier when wearing his uniform, but was all husband and father when he took off his cap. He was the type of father everyone should have. He coached Jeff’s little league games and Dana’s softball teams. He chaperoned school events, taught his kids to use power tools, gave driving lessons, and tended the family pets. He thought Christmas toys should be assembled and ready to use when opened – he once set up an outdoor basketball court during an Illinois blizzard.
After Army retirement, Hugh joined management at Electronic Data Systems (EDS) under founder and CEO Ross Perot. In 1984, Hugh and Paulette decided to escape their high pressure jobs in Washington. They moved to Cape Cod, built a working studio, became basket makers, and founded Sunken Meadow Basketworks. Hugh with his management experience and Paulette with her design training formed a dynamic team. They quickly gained a reputation for their prize winning baskets and pottery sculptures. Hugh specialized in magnificent wall sculptures formed by grapevines that he sourced locally using his tree-climbing skills.
Having moved more than 30 times during his military career, Hugh was delighted to set down roots in the Orleans community and became active in town matters. He enjoyed running daily errands with his ginormous dog, Jesse, who apparently insisted Hugh stop at the bank and post office for free dog treats. After 20 years of studio art, Hugh & Paulette again retired and relocated to a newly built community in Brewster, where they formed deep and enduring friendships, they had more time to travel, and Hugh could play golf.
Hugh and Paulette never lost interest in traveling, but they had different motivations. Paulette wanted to explore new destinations. As a born logistician, Hugh thrived on the travel to the destinations. He’d go anywhere as long as he was with Paulette, could navigate and drive. When travel became difficult in later years, he sought adventure in virtual reality travel -- just days before his death he enjoyed a VR African Safari and trip to Washington DC.
Hugh was predeceased by his beloved wife of 71 years Paulette Ann (Nadeau) Penney and son Jeff Penney. He is survived by his daughter Dana Penney and her husband Randall Davis of Weston, MA; his daughter-in-law Diane (Penney) Oaks and her husband Barry of Henrico, VA; his grandson Kevin Penney and his wife Emilia of Manakin Sabot, VA and their sons (beloved great grandchildren Artie and Lucas); his nephew Paul Smith and his wife Karyn of North Easton, MA and their sons (Bradly and Gregory); his nephew Michael Smith and his daughter (Courtney) of Evergreen, CO; and many relatives and dear friends.
Burial was private with full Military Honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, there will be a celebration of life in the spring
In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project or their favorite charity.