Thursday, October 1, 2026
Lifetime Rockville Centre resident Anthony Mario Pennisi, Jr. died on Jan. 3 from a stroke. He was 87.
He was blessed with a long life, 56 years of marriage to Eleanor (Oi) Pennisi, three children: Valeri Parker, Andrea Stephenson and Marc Pennisi. His last five years were brightened by his loving companion, Joine Bopp. He experienced tremendous joy by sharing in the lives of his 10 grandchildren and two great grandsons.
After graduating high school, Pennisi served his country in World War II, where he found his true calling was medicine. After returning from the war, he attended Fordham University. While there, he worked at Meadowbrook Hospital, where he met his future wife, Eleanor Oi.
Pennisi graduated Fordham in 1950 and then decided to attend medical school in Rome, where he graduated in 1956. But in 1952, before he left for school, he married Eleanor.
He was a true renaissance man with talents beyond his career as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. He practiced at Mercy Medical Center for more than 30 years, serving as Chief of Plastic Surgery for 11. He was a Governor of the American College of Surgeons. He received the Theodore Roosevelt award for Outstanding Service in 1996.
His other volunteer work included serving as President of the Friends of Mercy Medical Center and a perennial position as Chairman of the Mercy Ball Physician Committee. His long-standing presidency at the Rockville Links included being a legendary Master of Ceremony both here and at the PGA Rockville Links South.
His passion for golf, the Islanders, the Yankees, photography and travel made for a very full life. He will be known for his charismatic personality, his sense of
humor, love of family and storytelling talents, which endeared him to all. His warmth and kindness will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
Pennisi was predeceased by his wife in 2008. He his survived by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Mercy Medical Center surgical unit in Rockville Centre, and the Catholic Health Service’s Good Shepherd Hospice.
