Julie Anne Arnold Pennella passed away peacefully on July 23rd, in the comfort of her home in Bradenton, FL. She was surrounded by her three loving daughters.
Julie was born on December 9, 1939, in Harrisburg, PA. Julie's family relocated to Greenwich, CT during her teenage years. She was a graduate of Greenwich High School, where she met and married her high school sweetheart Charles William Pennella, Jr., who passed away in December of 2020.
After high school Julie attended and graduated from Mount Sinai School of Nursing. For years Julie enjoyed working as an operating Room nurse at Greenwich Hospital, raising her 3 daughters, gardening, caring for a multitude of pets, competing in tennis, golf, and paddle tennis tournaments at the Millbrook County Club as well as pursuing her passion for photography. Julie also enjoyed working alongside her husband/owner at Center Hardware & Housewares in Cos Cob, CT.
She was especially involved in the houseware department and on any given day you could see her creating new window displays or drumming up business by grilling up tasty treats for the customers and/or sidewalk passersby to enjoy. Her love of cooking led her to study the culinary arts in Paris France, Florence Italy, and NYC- upon graduation her husband said, "what now Julie?" and she happily launched her own business, Julie Anne Gourmet Catering and Cooking School. Perhaps some of you readers were the lucky recipients of her delicious cuisine or attended a cooking class.
After many years Julie and Charlie relocated to Sarasota, FL. Julie retired her chef's hat, picked up her nursing uniform and reentered the nursing field as a Parrish Nurse at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Sarasota, FL. As a Parrish nurse she organized and ran the annual health fair, taught a weekly balance class for seniors, visited parishioners in their homes as well as parishioners residing in nursing homes. Julie cultivated compassion, kindness, and humor for all who crossed her path.
Julie is survived by her three daughters Amy Pennella, Joy Doherty (Paul), and Margaret "Meg" Curulla (Jim), five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Loved by all, she will be greatly missed.
A graveside family service will be held October 19 at the family plot in Greenwich, CT at Christ Church Greenwich.
