Matthew “Matt” T. Penney, 69, of Garrettsville, OH, went home to his Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 2, 1956, in Cleveland, OH, to the late Robert and Nancy (nee Jaros) Penney.
He was raised in Mantua, OH, where he was educated at St. Joseph’s Catholic School, and then was a proud graduate of Crestwood High School, belonging to the class of 1975. Later that year, Matt met the love of his life, Sue Dolman, and they married on March 4, 1978. They also started their auto body shop in 1978, naming it Penney’s Auto Body, in Garrettsville. The second location opened in 1989 in Ravenna. In his earlier years, Matt enjoyed woodworking, specializing in furniture. While Matt loved being a father to his two children, his greatest joy was born with his grandchildren. He will forever be missed by all those who were fortunate to know him.
Matt will forever be missed by his wife, Sue Penney; children, Robert (Lauren) Penney and Rachel (Matt) Cerminara; grandchildren, June, Leah, Emily, Jillian, Benjamin, Ethan, and Grace; siblings, Kim Penney, Nancy (Ron) Roharik, Mark (Susan) Penney, and Kathy (Tom) Dennison, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Per Matt’s wishes he is to be cremated. He will be buried privately at Park Cemetery in Garrettsville. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 1, 2026, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, at the Corners Catering & Event Center, 11845 OH-44, Mantua, OH 44255.Care for Matt was entrusted to Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 8382 Center St., Garrettsville, OH 44231.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be graciously accepted to the UH EMS Institute – Critical Care Innovation Fund, www.UHGiving.org or University Hospitals Institutional Relations & Development, P.O. Box 94554, Cleveland, OH 44101-4554, in Matt’s name to honor his precious memory and the great care the UH EMS team provided to Matt and his family. For online condolences go to www.carlsonfuneralhomes.com.
