George E. Pennington

         George E. Pennington, 82, of Kelayres and formerly of Philadelphia, passed away Sunday morning at his home with his loving wife by his side, after a year-long battle with cancer. 

         Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late George and Helen V. (Bartlett) Pennington.

         He was a graduate of West Catholic Boys High School, Philadelphia. 

         George served in the U.S. Air Force as an Air Man Second Class in the crypto department during the Cuban Missile Crisis in Turkey. After his military discharge he entered into the police academy.

         George began his lifetime law enforcement career with the Philadelphia Police Dept as a patrol officer and eventually working his way up within the department. He served as the commanding officer and administrative aide to the Executive Officer of the Sex Crimes Unit. He was responsible for investigative reports and developed various training programs for interviewing techniques and criminal analysis. George was responsible for the development of a computerized data-based file that became a model throughout the department. He retired after 22 years of service.

         George began a second career with the Kline Twp. Police Dept. as an officer and retired as the Chief of Police in 2004. He was instrumental in major Schuylkill County drug raids.  He was a member of the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force and a former secretary of the PA Drug Task Force.

         George was a member of Church of All Saints, McAdoo, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge # 5, McAdoo AMVets and a social member of the McAdoo Fire Co. 

         He was an avid Notre Dame football and Phillies baseball fan and enjoyed camping and traveling with his wife Mary Ann.

         George was a dedicated public servant, with a big smile and sharp wit, and he will be greatly missed by many. 

         Preceding him in death were a brother Patrick Pennington, and brother-in-law George Sacco and his wife Joyce.

         Surviving, are his wife of 13 years, Mary Ann (Sacco) Pennington; daughter Barbara; 2 grandchildren; sister Carol Bittle, New Jersey; and several nieces also survive.

         His funeral will be held Monday from the Damiano Funeral Home, Inc., McAdoo, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Msgr. Zemanik will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial in Church of All Saints, McAdoo, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, McAdoo.

         Calling hours will be held Monday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home.

Condolences may be entered and information is available at www.damianofhinc.com.      

         A special thank you to Beth of LVHN Hospice for the excellent care and love that was shown to both of us. 

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