Obituary of Conrad G. Penna

Conrad G. Penna (73) of Oneida, New York passed away April 11, 2018, at Upstate University Hospital surrounded by his Arc of Madison Cortland Family. Conrad was born March 21, 1945 to Alex and Marianne Penna of Canastota, New York. Conrad spent his childhood in Canastota with his parents and his sister Sandra. Conrad was a graduate of Canastota Central School in 1967. After completing school Conrad worked at Vernon Downs Racetrack and as a custodian for Canastota Central Schools. In 1972, Conrad began working at The Arc of Madison Cortland's sheltered work center, Alternatives Industry. Conrad gain many friends and a new family throughout his time with The Arc of Madison Cortland. Conrad was employed by Wal-Mart in Wampsville as a janitor for 15 years. After retiring from Wal-Mart Conrad decided to pursue further employment with The Arc of Madison Cortland's Enhanced Supported Employment pilot program. Conrad worked ARCMC SEMP for roughly 5 years before deciding to retire. After retiring, Conrad enjoyed going into the community. Conrad's favorite places were The Big Cheese on Phelps Street and The Wagon Wheel on Main Street in Oneida. Conrad volunteered at St. Paul's Church for a short while before his medical concerns became of greater concern. Conrad enjoyed traveling throughout the years. Conrad had been to the Bahamas, Las Vegas, and Dollywood. Conrad went on a Caribbean Cruise and has also been to Tennessee, Missouri, and Florida. Conrad's famous for saying "A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do." Conrad took pride in his accomplishments and independence. Conrad was a resilient man and had a positive work ethic that everyone could learn from. Conrad demanded respect and received it where ever he went. He had a wonderful vocabulary and enjoyed carrying on a good conversation. Conrad had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed staying busy. Conrad is survived by his sister, Sandra Bieryla of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and many friends and family with The Arc of Madison Cortland.