February 03, Life Lines » Obituaries. Published February 3, at a. Updated February 3, at p. Geoffrey Paul Penar of Shelburne, Vt. Geoffrey was born in Burlington, Vt. Geoffrey was a naturally talented musician who could play many instruments but specialized in classic voice. He intuitively understood music from an early age. Johnsbury Academy, where he memorably performed in several musicals and in the jazz band, he was awarded a scholarship to the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.
Geoffrey worked in performances across the U. He has also played piano, saxophone, clarinet and sang in various jazz combos and rock groups over the last 20 years. He recently started a new life, returning to Vermont, teaching voice and piano in Shelburne, and serving as the cantor at St.
Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, his childhood parish. Geoffrey was a football afficionado, ran fantasy leagues, and loved the New England Patriots and the Michigan Wolverines.
His hockey team was the Detroit Red Wings, as his parents grew up in Michigan. Many have described his humility despite an impressive natural talent in voice and many forms of music, but above all they appreciated his kindness as a teacher and friend.
His sense of humor and wonderful voice will be missed by all who knew him. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 15, , 11 a. In keeping with Geoffrey's passions for music and American civics fostered at St. Johnsbury Academy, in lieu of flowers, he would want you to contribute to the Julian Music Fund at St.
