Remembering the recently deceased in the Archdiocese of Seattle.


Joseph Penwell

FEDERAL WAY — Joseph Penwell of Federal Way died Sept. 8, 2023, in Federal Way. He was 76.

Born Jan. 1, 1947, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was a senior master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, serving four years of active duty and 23 years in the reserves. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Western Washington University and was an accountant for the Environmental Protection Agency for more than 20 years. He battled Parkinson’s disease for more than 25 years.

He and his wife, Robin Penwell, were married June 8, 2013, at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Federal Way.

Faith played a central role in his life. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, where he was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He is remembered for his bravery, kindness and unwavering faith.

In the community, he was involved with the Parkinson’s Foundation, Relay for Life, Honor Flight and Habitat for Humanity.

He was an avid fan of local sports teams, including the Seattle Mariners, Seattle Seahawks and the Washington State University Cougars. He enjoyed dressing up as Santa Claus to bring holiday cheer to children.

He is survived by his wife Robin; sons Garrett and Justin; sister Mary Pat McQueary; and grandchildren Rachael Penwell and Alex Penwell.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 3 at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Federal Way. Interment will be at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Vincent de Paul Parish.

As a free service to the Catholic community, Northwest Catholic posts online the obituaries of Catholics whose funerals are held in parishes in the Archdiocese of Seattle or at Catholic cemeteries in the archdiocese. Submit an obituary here.