Condolence: I can truly say that Newtown has lost one of the people that made you proud to live there. Al was a friend to all who entered his shop and a mentor to many of us who thought we knew something about plumbing. He would always take the time to teach you what you needed to know and would tell you if you were about to do something that was not necessary. You could always count on getting what you needed without being sold a lot of extra junk. If Al said you needed it a wise man listened, even if it did take me a couple of visits to learn this. It is men like Al who will lead this country back to greatness and we could all take a lesson from his example.
God Bless you Al and may your family and friends always keep you in their hearts.

Condolence: Dear Wendy,
We are very sad to see the passing of your dad, and our friend, Al. After mentioning that to my daughter, Gwen, she said, "Well I'm sure he's sitting up in Heaven with Ono having a glass of wine and discussing the current political situation". That was what they did, frequently, at Lorenzo's Restaurant and at Al's shop. We will miss him!

Condolence: Hi,
I'm sorry to hear of your recent loss.
My wife and I moved to an old home in Sandy Hook over thirty years ago. The previous owner informed us that if we had any problems with plumbing that Al was the man to see. Truer words were never spoken. Throughout the years, I've visited his shop and always walked away with an education. I'd walk in with an old pipe or fixture and was sent home with a remedy or sent home to bring back more of the problem area - even if it meant the entire kitchen sink! He had the "Yankee Ingenuity" to adapt an adapter. For that, I'll always be thankful.
As we drive through the "Hook" and see his shop to this day, I know how grateful I, as well as many, benefited from his skills.
Thank you Al,
Jon Marc Jagush

Condolence: Dear Wendy and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember you Dad well, growing up in Riverside. I also remember visiting his plumbing shop many times with my Dad. God bless him.
Sincerely,
Nancy

Condolence: Dear Wendy,
So sorry of the passing of your father. He will be missed by all. He was always so helpfull when anyone had a problem with plumbing.
Again we are both sorry.
Robert and Joyce Staudinger

Condolence: My thoughts go back to my childhood in the mid 50s when I would go to visit the nice neighbors down the street known as the Penovi's. I am not sure if it was the warm smile on the face of Mrs. P, the bark from the dog, or possibly a cookie, that kept me coming back. Most of the time, Al was busy at work, and I didn't get to see him much until my father had problems with our well. Many years later, remembering his expert plumbing abilities, I went to him for help, and over time would stop by just to chat. I really enjoyed and am grateful for those times, and will truly miss him. P.S. I have missed Mrs. P for years, and not just because of the cookies. I am sorry for your loss, Wendy and family. Jim (Arthur) Brennan

Condolence: Wendy and family,
I was so sorry to hear about your father earlier this week. Mr Penovi and his plumbing shop, as you well know, was a local landmark. I think many Sandy Hook residents, current and former, were sorry to learn of his passing this week.
His reach extended far beyond Sandy Hook and even Newtown, of course. My mother told me recently that my father used to turn to your father and his shop whenever he had to find something for a home repair. He never went anywhere else first, and I think many times he probably made up excuses to make the drive over the silver bridge from Southbury to go visit your dad and sit outside that barn with him.
I have missed seeing your father's station wagon parked at the shop during the past few years. I used to get a kick out of driving home and seeing him in his chair, just watching everything around him going on. I've been hoping that his health would improve enough for him to return to his old post, but I will cherish the memories I have of seeing him out there when he was still around.
My love and prayers to you and your family at this time.

with love,
Shannon