Joseph Pennino

Joseph Louis “Joe” Pennino, Sr. was called to the post to Run for the Roses at Eternity Downs, “the Big Race Track in the Sky,” in the early hours of Tuesday, Aug.16, 2016. He died peacefully in the home in Covington, La., in which he and his family have resided, shared experiences, and made memories since 1960.  Born Giuseppe Leoluca Pennino above a livery stable in New Orleans on January 25, 1920, to young Sicilian immigrants inspired to pursue the American dream, Joe began a lifelong love affair with horses when his adventurous spirit led him to find companionship with his stablemates and playmates -- mules that delivered coal in the winter and ice in the summer. He left home at a young age to become a jockey, exercise rider, and groom. He often shared stories of galloping race horses through the streets of New Orleans and transporting horses by box car to race tracks during the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Joe served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1941 through 1945 and was stationed in North Africa and Italy. Because of his charismatic personality and his keen knowledge of the City of New Orleans, Joe was chosen by Colonel John N. Howser, a 1912 West Point graduate, for the honor of becoming his personal driver when the troops staged in New Orleans and later deployed to North Africa. Joe rose to the rank of sergeant in the Army.  On March 2, 1946, he married his New Orleans neighbor and war-time sweetheart Lorraine Theresa “Mickey” Mayer, who preceded him in death on March 15, 2006.

Joe also served as a Louisiana State Trooper for 17 years, from 1950 to 1967.  As a state police sergeant, he was assigned first to Troop B and later to Troop L where he became one of the first police officers to patrol the causeway over Lake Pontchartrain.  Joe delivered 11 babies and saved many lives during his career as a state trooper. He retired in 1967 to work full-time with his beloved racehorses.

At the time of his death, Joe was one of the oldest licensed Thoroughbred trainers in the U.S. He rescued rejected racehorses and police horses long before rescuing horses became popular.  Joe was well-known and liked in the racing community in Louisiana and his loss is being felt by friends, fans and followers of all ages.

Joe is also preceded in death by his oldest son, Joseph L. Pennino Jr.; his granddaughter, Blossom Pennino Chatelain;  his parents Frank and Laura Pennino; mother-in-law Eunice Hebert Mayer;  brothers Fr. Francis Pennino and Russell Pennino; and sister-in-law Laura Mayer Odom. He is survived by daughters Joan Pennino Chatelain, Peggy Pennino Oalmann, and Laura Marie Pennino and son Frank Paul Pennino; sons-in-law Lamie Roch Chatelain and Sidney Wayne Oalmann and daughter-in-law Michelle Williams Pennino; and 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial service and reception to celebrate Joe’s life on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. at Bagnell & Son Funeral Home, 75212 Lee Rd., Covington, LA 70435. Visitation from 2:00 PM until service time. Interment of Joe and Mickey Pennino’s ashes is set for Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, 3421 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119.  Donations in Joe’s memory can be made to Louisiana Horse Rescue Association, www.louisianahorserescue.com.  For more information and an expanded obituary, please call 713 419 1776 or email info@penninoandpartners.com.