John Anthony Della Penna Ii

John A. Della Penna, 67, of Hornell, died on January 22, 2024. He was born in Delaware County, Pennsylvania in 1956 to proud parents John Della Penna Sr. and Carole Della Penna as the younger brother of Theresa Vitacco (Della Penna). As a child, he played little league baseball and could often be found playing wiffle ball with his friends, including his future brother-in law, Anthony Vitacco, in his front yard. He spent every summer with his family in Cape May, New Jersey where he loved to swim. John excelled at math as a child, eventually using that to design and build beautiful wood decks in his work as a contractor. He was a devoted son, who cared for his mother in her final years.
He spent over 40 years together with his wife Lori Miller, 59, who he met in Herford, PA. He shared his rich love for music with Lori and always played trivia for fun over the years. He enjoyed playing pool with her and especially shared his love of nature in the life they built together. Their long-time home on Moss Rd. in Hornell was always a welcoming space for friends and family. John enjoyed the peaceful countryside of the home they created.
John was an avid lover of music with an encyclopedic knowledge of his favorite artists like the Beatles. He enjoyed sports, always watching the Eagles and Bills games during football season, the Phillies during baseball season and cheering on the Red Raiders in Hornell. His favorite hobby of all was gardening, and he was happiest working in his home's peaceful country garden.
Over the years he could be seen attending many local sporting events and musical performances of his five children, Tosh Della Penna, Jade Moreno (Della Penna), John Della Penna III, Jesse Della Penna, and Samantha Della Penna. He will always be remembered for his easy-going attitude and gentleness with his children and their friends. John was always willing to feed anyone who was hungry. Making french toast was a favorite request in his kitchen. He would sing funny songs while he cooked to make the kids laugh or listen as they talked about their day.
Although he was a beloved son, spouse, and father, he had a special joy as a grandparent. Pop Pop, as he was lovingly called by his grandkids, was known for generously sharing his time and knowledge. His grandchildren, Demi Della Penna, Mia Della Penna, Kaya Cinque, Dominic Moreno, Salina Della Penna, and Mirna Della Penna will always remember John for his kindness and caring. He was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren, often bragging about how impressed he was by their achievements. They will miss him deeply.
He is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com of on Facebook @ Brown & Powers FH.