Tommy Pennisi

Birth date: May 8, 1935 Death date: Dec 12, 2024

George Thomas (Tommy) Pennisi was born in Gainesville, FL on May 8, 1935, and died peacefully on December 12, 2024 at Haven Hospice in Gainesville, FL. He is survived by daughter Emily Pennisi Cheves, grandchildren Courtney Cheves Read Obituary

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Williams - Thomas Downtown

404 N. Main St., Gainesville FL 32601

352-376-7556

Joyce Simmons

70w ago

I just found out about Tommy's passing and am so sorry to have missed his funeral. My family and I want to express our deepest sympathy to his daughter, Emily, and family. Our grandparents, parents, my siblings, and our children were all customers of Louis's Lunch for as long as I can remember. We enjoyed the burgers, fries, and shakes, as well as the warm fellowship of long-time customers, friends, and other family members. I'd run into Tommy in Publix, and he was always friendly and happy, asking about my family. He gifted me with a photo that hung on the wall in Louis's of my father's GHS football team. It meant so much to me. Our love & prayers to his family...The Bill ("Red") Ryan Family

Melanie Barr

75w ago

I am so sorry I missed the funeral and visitation. I didn't read about it in the paper until it had already happened. I regret so much that I missed it.

I was always interested in reading his letters to the editor. It showed that he was a deep thinker and knew more about issues than the average person. I also liked seeing him walk by my house in the Duckpond Neighborhood where he would call to my attention something I needed to know about. He was always bright and alert, which was unexpected since he didn't show what a genius he was in a simple conversation.

I remember getting his father's signature on a key chain at his 105th birthday.

I hope the rest of the family has long lives and good brains until their end too.

Anonymous

75w ago

Sent a Sweet Snacks Gift Crate to the Pennisi family.

A beautifully arranged gift basket of chocolates, candies, and popcorn for any celebration.

Send a gift

Anonymous

75w ago

Planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Tommy.

A vibrant green tree flourishes in a sunny area, showcasing thick leaves and a sturdy trunk.

Plant a tree

Robbie Davis

75w ago

Our family has enjoyed Louis Lunch since its inception. It was ALWAYS a treat to go there. One of the last vestiges of Old Gainesville, and a wonderful memory for all of us who grew up going there. Like his father, Louis, Tommy became a Gainesville icon, and was a friend to everyone. Losing Tommy marks the end of the "true" Gainesville era. A very sad day. Enjoy a well earned rest, Tommy. And thank you.

The family of Yvonne Cauthen Davis

Milledge Murphey

75w ago

I knew and loved Louie, Freddy, and Tommy for many years. I ate burgers there from high school days until the business closed and introduced all my friends to Louis Lunch. Unfortunately I had meetings scheduled on both days that the services were held and so could not attend either. I will miss all three for the rest of my life.

Milledge Murphey, Ph.D.
UF Emeritus Faculty Member

T.C. Miller

75w ago

My Dad started eating at Louis ' in the late '30's when his boss Warren Torlay would treat the Gainesville Sun paperboys to nickel hamburgers. Thus began a relationship that lasted until the doors closed the last time. The hamburger Tommy fixed the last week tasted exactly like the one I had 50 years prior. Don't know how they kept them so consistent. Whether it was the meat, the seasonings or the little silver pan the burgers were fried in. When you walked through the door you knew what your hamburger was going to taste like. They might not know your name but they knew what family you were tied to. Always someone there you knew. The family was a true Gainesville treasure.