Obituary: Mark L. Pennell Jr.
Mark L. Pennell Jr.
SOUTH PORTLAND – Mark L. Pennell Jr., 55, passed away peacefully on Oct. 20, 2026, in Portland, with his family by his side. Mark was born on Oct. 5, 1971, in Portland, the son of Catherine (Papineau) Pennell and Mark Pennell Sr.
Mark grew up in South Portland, where he spent most of his life and later raised a family of his own in the same community. He attended schools within the South Portland School District and graduated from South Portland High School in 1990. Growing up in the Anthoine Street neighborhood, he formed lifelong friendships that carried well into adulthood. Known from a young age for his strong work ethic and independent nature, Mark carried these qualities with him throughout his life. He was a devoted family man who took great pride in his wife, Norita, his two children, Leanne and Wyatt, and the life they built together. Of all the things Mark took pride in throughout his life, being a father to Leanne and Wyatt was among the greatest.
Mark met Norita while the two were working at the South Portland Nursing Home. What began there grew into a life and family they built together over the course of more than three decades. Mark and Norita celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary this past July.
A true Mainer through and through, Mark had a deep and lifelong love for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter, trapper, fly fisherman, ice fisherman, and snowmobiler who felt most at home in the woods and on the waters of Maine. Some of his most cherished places were the remote waterways, ponds, lakes, and forests throughout the Moosehead Lake region, where he spent countless days exploring, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and camping.
That love began early in life through time spent outdoors with his father, Mark, brother, Michael, and mother, Cathy, and it became a tradition Mark proudly carried into his own family. Their camp in The Forks became the setting for countless hunting trips, adventures, stories, and memories shared with family and close friends. Those fortunate enough to spend time with Mark at camp rarely left without a story of their own to tell.
Mark was known by those who loved him as one of the toughest, most stubborn, and hard-headed men they had ever met — qualities matched only by his honesty, loyalty, generosity, strong work ethic, and genuine nature. Beneath that tough exterior was a mischievous spirit and an infectious laugh that those closest to him knew well. He believed strongly in doing things the right way, standing behind his word, working hard for what you had, and remaining true to who you were whether anyone was watching or not.
A third-generation oil industry worker, Mark devoted more than 30 years of his career to Gulf Oil, where he worked as a Lead Terminal Operator. His dedication to his work was unwavering. Even while undergoing treatments, Mark continued working more than 50 hours a week until July of this year. He refused to allow his illness to define him and faced it the same way he approached everything else in life — with determination, grit, and remarkable strength.
Mark was predeceased by his father, Mark Pennell Sr., and his brother, Michael Pennell.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Norita Pennell; his mother, Catherine Pennell; his children, Leanne Pennell and Wyatt Pennell; Wyatt’s fiancée, McKenzie Brackett; his mother-in-law, Joyce Macomber; his sister-in-law, Cindy McNinch; his brother-in-law, Floyd “Jocko” McNinch; his beloved black Lab, Sadie Mae; and many extended family members, friends, and coworkers who were fortunate enough to know him.
Mark’s family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the countless nurses, healthcare providers, and staff throughout MaineHealth who cared for and supported Mark and his family throughout his illness. Their compassion, kindness, and support throughout this journey were invaluable and will never be forgotten.
Burial services will be held privately for family and close friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Willow’s, 740 Broadway, South Portland, Maine 04106. All friends, family, and coworkers are warmly welcomed to attend and celebrate Mark’s life.
To view Mark’s memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
In lieu of flowers,
memorial donations may be made in Mark’s honor to:
the Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Attn: Kristina
353 Water St.
Augusta, ME 04330
in recognition of his lifelong love of Maine’s outdoors, hunting, fishing, and conservation
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