Larry Joseph Penne

Larry Joseph Penne, 78, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on October 15, 1947, to Leonard and Lucille Penne, Larry lived a life marked by quiet strength, unwavering devotion, and a deep love for those closest to him.

As the eldest of Leonard and Lucille’s six children, Larry grew up in a close-knit home filled with love and laughter. He was a respected and admired older brother whose guidance, kindness, and steady presence left a lasting impression on his siblings.

Larry later married the love of his life, Marilyn, and together they built a home centered on faith, family, and love. They raised four sons, who were a constant source of pride and joy. Larry and Marilyn would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary together on August 3, a testament to the enduring love and commitment they shared throughout their lives.

Larry found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including his fondness for cowboy boots starting when he was a young boy, a delicious meal, or the love of ketchup on just about everything. Yet these simple traits were far outweighed by what truly defined him—his unwavering love and support for his friends, his colleagues at Standard Beauty Supply and, most importantly, his family.

Larry was also known for his love of bears and the bear hugs, earning him the nickname “Big Bear.” While he could be as determined and tenacious as a grizzly, he more closely resembled the gentle, caring teddy bears that filled his office and reflected his kind-hearted nature.

Above all else, Larry’s greatest joy was his family. He especially cherished his grandchildren, whom he adored beyond measure. Whether celebrating their accomplishments, sharing in their everyday moments, or simply hearing stories about their lives, Larry could never get enough of them. They brought him immense pride and happiness.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Tyson); four sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Stephanie, Timothy and Patricia, Jeffrey and Sharon, and Shawn and Robin; three sisters, Luella Andrew of Valley, Lorraine (Walt) Renz of Hinesville GA and Lynnelle (Mike) Milner-Spotofora of Las Vegas NV; grandchildren, Thomas, Kyle, Jack, Lillian, William, Henry, Natalie, Jonah, Benjamin, Luke, and Max and numerous nieces and nephews along with other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his dad and mom Leonard and Lucille (Udey) Penne, brother Leonard B. Penne and sister Louise Cady.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 10:30 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church at 5419 N 114th Street Omaha NE 68164. [Private family interment will follow.] Please see Bethany Funeral Home of La Vista for further information (https://www.bethanyfuneralhome.com/).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to CHI Health Foundation – Immanuel Behavioral Health Fund (https://give.commonspirit.org/chihealthfoundation/aboutshine) or St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.