Frank Paul Pennino

Frank Paul Pennino was born at Saint Tammany Parish Hospital on November 9, 1962, in Covington, Louisiana. Gone too soon at the age of 62 years young, he is now a “free bird” and one of Heaven’s newest angels. Without a doubt, Frank is cracking jokes, dancing to his favorite Classic Rock tunes, and acting goofy and silly to make all of Heaven’s residents smile.

Frank died on January 11, 2025, in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit of Ochsner Medical Center in Jefferson, Louisiana. due to complications from a ruptured brain aneurysm. After fighting a good fight for 11 days, trying his best to continue to live and love, Frank finished his courageous race surrounded at his bedside by a large number of family members and close friends. 

Frank had registered himself as an organ donor years ago. Because of this selfless act of compassion for others, he became an organ donor hero on January 13, 2025, with songs like Lynard Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” playing for the medical team. Because Frank gifted his liver and kidneys when he no longer needed them, a man in his 60s and another man in his 70s now have a second chance at life. Countless others will benefit from his organ and tissue gifts.

The Pennino family is extremely thankful to the caring and compassionate medical staff at Saint Tammany Parish Hospital and Ochsner Medical Center who did everything humanly possible to heal and help Frank; to the staff of Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency who honored Frank’s organ donation commitment with kindness and respect; and to hundreds of family, friends, clients and neighbors who have prayed and offered their thoughts and words for peace and comfort during this extremely difficult time.

Frank is survived by Michelle Williams Pennino, his high school sweetheart, soulmate and wife of 35 years; son Colt William Pennino and his wife Allison Guillet Pennino; son Kyle Joseph Pennino; “son in spirit” Destin Kane Crawford; grandchildren Natalie Marilyn Pennino, Luke Joseph Pennino, and Rhett William Pennino; sisters Peggy Oalmann Pennino and Laura Marie Pennino; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors. 

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Frank Pennino and Laura Cascio Pennino and maternal grandparents George Mayer and Eunice Hebert Mayer; his parents, Joseph Louis Pennino Sr. and Lorraine Mayer Pennino; his brother Joseph Louis Pennino Jr.; his sister Joan Pennino Chatelain; his uncles, Father Francis Pennino and Russell Paul Pennino; and his aunt Laura Mayer Odom.

Frank was a lifelong resident of Covington, La. A 1981 graduate of Covington High School, Frank played the Number 53 position as center on the Covington High School Lions football team. 

Frank was licensed by the Louisiana Racing Commission as a Thoroughbred racehorse trainer for more than 30 years. He raced horses at Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, The Fair Grounds, Louisiana Downs, and Sam Houston Race Park. He also was a long-time member of the Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. 

Married at Saint Peter Catholic Church in Covington in 1989, Frank and Michelle were partners in life, love, and work: they co-owned Frank’s Harness Shop together; raced Thoroughbred horses together; owned real estate together; raised sons Colt and Kyle together; and cherished their grandchildren together.

Frank was known by many names: Babe, Dad, Poppy, Frankie, Franco, Franklin, Cher Tee Enfant (dear little baby), and Petey Put (spoiled baby of the family). He cherished his roles as husband, father and grandfather. His grandkids never heard the word “no” from him, and he was known to perform high jumps as entertaining incentives for them to learn new skills. Frank was also known to help his sons with tough projects like vehicle or equipment repairs, even when he was tired and would rather be sleeping. 

Frank had a calm, gentle and kind spirit. He always wanted to make people laugh. He was known for leaving funny voicemails, sometimes impersonating New York mobsters; sending funny text messages such as “Merry Christmas” with a dancing cat in a Santa Claus suit; or sharing an inspirational text message, possibly his last one ever, such as the one with a video of fireworks and the words “365 New Days, 365 New Chances. Peace, Blessings, & Happy New Year.”

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Bagnell & Son Funeral Home, 75212 HWY 437 Lee Road, Covington, LA 70435 on Monday, January 20, 2025. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A memorial service and Catholic Mass will begin at 1 p.m. followed by a reception at the funeral home. Because Frank’s favorite color was red, the Pennino family invites attendees to wear red in Frank’s honor. 

Interment of Frank’s ashes in the Pennino family tomb is set for Friday, January 24, at 2:30 p.m. at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, 3421 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119. 

Donations in any amount can be offered in memory of Frank Paul Pennino to Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, Louisiana Horse Rescue Association, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, or Covington High School (CHS) Touchdown Boosters Club.