At the Penick’s home in Naperville, keepsakes of very special neighbors from Chatham, New Jersey, abound. Front and center on a bookshelf is one of our favorite photos when Jack was 48, Zion was the kindest German shepherd our kids knew, and son Tep was three.
Last month, our kids’ former babysitter who lived next door to us in Chatham, New Jersey, sent a reminder about her father’s birthday.
“My Dad, the greatest human being I know, is going to be 85 years young on June 1!” Sandy wrote, “This last year-plus has been hard for many, but I also think it has taught us to be thankful for what we have.
“I thought it would be awesome if I could ask for friends and family to send him a card, email, phone call with Happy Birthday wishes to celebrate this great guy!”
As next door neighbors for nearly 12 years until 1993, we experienced that Jack indeed was a great human being every day as well as a good sport, devoted husband, loving dad, dedicated golfer and a faithful American!
Our three children benefited by living next door to the volunteer Chatham Fire Chief who took them to their first Mets game. He encouraged their participation in 4th of July parades. And our children decorated their bicycles with red, white and blue for Jack’s approval as they prepared to ride in the annual parade down Main Street.
Jack barely had a moment to himself when he came home from work. Almost as soon as the boys saw him pull into his driveway, they were at his front door that always was open. And they played plenty of catch.
Every time we see a U.S. Marine Corps flag — and during Monday’s 2021 Memorial Day Parade along Jackson Avenue, followed by the Remembrance in Central Park, we saw many — we think of Jack who served our country proudly.
While we’ve had good next door neighbors here in Naperville, they have not been constant, most have moved every few years.
Jack and Diane always shared their family and holidays with us, making us feel like family, too.
Happy 85th Birthday, Jack!
Lots of love from the Penicks!
P.S. It’s hard to believe we remember celebrating Jack’s surprise 50th birthday party as though it were yesterday! So much for Michelob Light!
Thanks for the memories, many reasons to keep in touch and all the good email jokes that keep us moving right along.
Cheers to good health. Celebrate safely! Sláinte!
Happy Birthday (a little late) to Diane, too!
