CORONA, NY — Council Member Francisco Moya, Assemblywoman Ari Espinal and members of the Corona community honored local hero Nicholas Pennetti on Saturday, memorializing him with a street co-naming.

“Nicholas Pennetti set a high bar for us here in Corona,” said Council Member Francisco Moya. “His service to his country in World War II made him a war hero, but his life spent in service to Corona, to his family and to God made him a legend in Queens. In short, Nick was the standard bearer for honor and integrity. It was a privilege to memorialize his legacy with this street co-naming.”

“Nicholas Pennetti was a true pillar of the community that I was born and raised in,” said Assemblywoman Ari Espinal. “He embodied Corona Strong. His lifelong dedication to service — to his country, his community, his family and those lucky enough to call him a friend — will always be an inspiration to me. He will be sorely missed.”

Pennetti passed away on April 2, 2018, at the age of 94 — just days before what would have been his 75 wedding anniversary with his wife and life-long best friend, Nancy. The two were childhood friends whose relationship was an example to all who had the fortune to witness it. They were married shortly before Pennetti was shipped off to Germany to fight in World War II.

After returning home from the war, Pennetti continued to serve his community as a member of the Corona Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the president of both St. Leo’s Churches the Holy Name Society and the Golden Age Club.

Pennetti is survived by his wife Nancy, their son Richard and daughter Nancy.

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