Zachary Pennell

Zachary Alan Pennell, beloved son and brother, died December 2, 2022, at the age of 30. Zach made us laugh and cry in equal measure. He could be at once charming and infuriating, but was always fundamentally the same Zach: Quiet and shy, with sly smiles and knowing glances that made you an instant confidante and offered silent commentary on the world around him. He laughed at us when we deserved it, and at himself when he had it coming. He took pride in his work. Putting the right shoes on your feet or the right phone in your hand brought him genuine joy. He loved sunsets and the night sky. He lived for sports, from watching the Ravens to golfing with his dad. He’d shake his head if you didn’t keep your sneakers clean, but ask him to drive in the snow with you and he'd say yes every time. More than anything, he loved his siblings: He cheered them on and swelled with pride over their accomplishments. Zach is survived by his parents, Elizabeth and James Taylor; his siblings Amber, Claire and James; his grandfathers Dale Pennell and James Taylor; his grandmother Joanne Taylor; Elizabeth’s companion Thomas Stiner; and his uncles, aunts and many cousins. He is also survived by his biological father Alan Faber, his brothers Tyler Good and Demetrius Faber, and his grandmother Ruth Faber. And he is survived by his daughter, Allielynn Mulholland. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Elaine Pennell, who will surely be glad to see him again – once she stops giving him hell for how he got there. If there is a heaven, it is a summer night on the porch, swapping stories everyone already knows. Though we must acknowledge the circumstances of his death – an overdose, after years of fighting addiction – we know that every day he lived over the past decade was a victory. Each moment was a testament to his tremendous will, and the will of those who loved him. Addiction troubled his body, but Zachary’s spirit was undimmed. He had plans; there was still much for him to do, and we wish we had seen it. In his heart – and in ours – he is forever the little boy who sang “I Believe I Can Fly” with tears in his eyes. We loved him, through it all. We always will. A celebration of Zachary’s life will be held at Nottingham Presbyterian Church in Nottingham, Pa., at 11 a.m. on Jan. 14, 2023. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you consider donating to a substance abuse treatment facility or program in Zachary’s name. May our family’s grief help give another hope.