John (Bill) Penquite

John William (Bill) Penquite, age 80, of Galloway, passed away on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Born in Lynchburg, Ohio, he was the son of William and Mary (Nester) Penquite. He graduated from Lynchburg High School and received his undergrad at Wilmington College and his Masters from Central Michigan University. He served 3 ½ years in the United States Air Force as a Supply Officer, and was employed by Grange Mutual Insurance Company, serving first as an underwriter before moving into the personnel department and rising to Director of Personnel.

He enjoyed playing golf, watching his children’s activities, traveling by cruise ship, reading, watching sports and spending time outside, often working in the yard. An active member of Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Church, he served as an altar server and an officer in the Fr. Sheldon Kelly Council Knights of Columbus. He taught his children the importance of service through his work as a coach and 4-H club adviser and through his aid to the church parish. His dry sense of humor and deep love for and support of his family will be deeply missed.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary Francis Gerdes and his brothers-in-law Corwin Gerdes and David Phillips. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Connie (Phillips) Penquite, daughters Angela Penquite and Amanda (Michael) Zimmerman, and sons Craig (Sarah) Penquite and Bryan (Jennifer) Penquite. Bill was a proud papaw of Dylan, Jacob, Emily, and Grace Zimmerman, Elijah, Jordan and Analyn Penquite, and William Penquite. He is also survived by sister Kathy Moore, along with brother-in-law Gary (Sandra) Ferrell and sisters-in-law Cheryl (James) Burchinal, Cinda Carter, Liesa Phillips, and Carla (Rodney) Dougherty as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Tidd Family Funeral Home in Hilliard. A Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Father Dwayne A. McNew, will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Church, 9350 High Free Pike, West Jefferson, OH, 43162. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, West Jefferson, OH.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bill’s memory to the Saints Simon & Jude Catholic Church Building Campaign or Honor Flight Columbus.