Paul Arthur Penardi

Paul Arthur Penardi, 79, passed away early morning Tuesday, January 30, 2018. He is survived by Margo, his wife of 35 years, his daughters Kaylinn (husband Grant), and Kerri, and grandson Huxley, as well as his sisters Gaye Ann, Linda, and Mary.

Paul was born in 1938 in Stoughton, Massachusetts to parents Angelo and Mildred Penardi. He lived there until he enlisted in the Navy in the early 60s and was stationed at the Seal Beach Naval Air Station in Seal Beach, California. Following his discharge, he attended California State University Long Beach and received a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1969.  He loved southern California and decided to make Long Beach his home with his first wife, Ruth. He started working at BioAcoustical Engineering in the early 70’s as an acoustical engineer and not long after, met Margo, who also worked there. The two began dating in 1978, moved to El Toro, and were married in 1982. Three years later, daughter Kaylinn was born and Kerri 2 years after that. They enjoyed Orange County, where most of Margo’s family lived, but “the mountains were calling,” so the family of four decided to go. Paul and Margo had spent many weekends at her father’s cabin in Moonridge, skiing and enjoying the lifestyle that Big Bear had to offer. They thought it would be the perfect place to raise their family. Paul had started his own business as an acoustical consultant and could work remotely. It was a move that proved to be one of the best decisions they had ever made.

Together, Paul and Margo immersed themselves in the community, and their town gave them the same warm embrace in return. Paul was a dedicated member of the Big Bear Lake Rotary Club, receiving Rotarian of the Year in 2007. He also spent a great deal of time at the Big Bear Performing Arts Center donating his expertise in sound mixing for the Community Arts Theater Society (C.A.T.S) as well as theater productions for a variety of theater groups both local and visiting.

Music was a passion of Paul’s. He played drums throughout his young adulthood, playing in small jazz bands around his hometown. He took a long hiatus, then picked it back up much later in life. He played whenever he could, whether it was evenings in his living room, each Sunday at the Bear Valley Center for Spiritual Enrichment, or sitting in with local musicians.

Paul made his transition peacefully at Kaiser Ontario of pulmonary embolism, his wife Margo at his side. Paul had recently encountered some health issues, having been diagnosed with prostate and bone cancer a month before.

Paul truly lived the Rotary motto, “Service above Self.” He would lend a hand to those in need at the drop of a hat. His authentic caring spirit and friendly personality made a lasting impression to most everyone he met. He will be greatly missed, but the happy memories live on with us always.

A celebration of his life will take place March 17, 2018 at 12 pm at the Performing Arts Center, where he spent much of his time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Rotary scholarship created in his honor. Donations may be mailed to Big Bear Lake Rotary Club.

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