Norman J. Penney, 87, of Holden, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 10, 2017 in the presence of his loving family and the compassionate care of the Visiting Angels of Worcester.  Born and raised in Worcester, Norman was the son of the late Lawrence and Ethel (Peterson) Penney.

Norman married the love of his life, Betty M. Webber of Worcester on October 16, 1949 at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Worcester. They resided the next several years in Worcester while Norman was busy working at Norton Company and building their future home in Holden. They moved into their new home in 1955 and spent the following 56 years together until Betty’s passing in 2011. After working at Norton Co. and Warner Swasey in Worcester for over 20 years, Norman decided that it was time for a change and applied for a teaching position in carpentry at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough.  The next 20 years were spent teaching and practicing what he enjoyed most, sharing his talent and passion as a woodworker with future carpenters.

Norman was an active outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and especially camping. In his spare time, Norman built a variety of bird houses that can be still found throughout Holden to this day.  Other hobbies and interests included beekeeping, bird watching, gardening, cribbage and jigsaw puzzles.

He was a member of Heritage Bible Chapel in Princeton and a former member of Greenville Baptist Church in Rochdale.  Norman was a Troop Leader for Boy Scouts of America, Troop # 180 of Holden for many years.

He will be affectionately remembered and missed by his daughters, Christine E. Sherman and her husband, Stephen of Rutland, Holly A. Baker and her husband, Robert of Leicester and a daughter-in-law Linda G. Penney of Auburn.   He also leaves a brother, Robert and his wife Audrey of Delaware; a sister, Shirley Fay of Worcester and brother-in-law Ronald Pearson of Florida;  three grandsons, Nelson, his wife Heather, Joel, and fiancé Joanna Kokolski, Eric Penney and Emily Vincent and granddaughter Cari Baker; five great grandchildren, Mia, Michael, Eli, Alex and Olivia; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his beloved wife of 61 years, Betty M. Penney, he is predeceased by his son, Norman J., a brother, Laurence C. and a sister, Ruthann Pearson.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Norman’s family from 4 to 7 pm on Wednesday, June 14, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A service remembering and honoring his life will be held at 11 am on Thursday, June 15, at the funeral home. Interment will be held at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 260 Cochituate Rd., #200, Framingham, MA 01701, or American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.