Penn Harvey Holsapple III's Obituary
Penn Harvey Holsapple, a proud father, husband, son, brother and devoted US Army Blackhawk pilot, died suddenly October 16th 2022 while playing his beloved sport soccer.
Penn is survived by his wife Jennyfer Holsapple; daughters Natalie Ann Holsapple, Shelby Elizabeth (Neal) Svenson, Avalon Goldie Ellysee; parents Penn Jr. and Ginny Holsapple; sister Gayle Elizabeth Holsapple; mother-in-law and father-in-law Linda and Sam Brown; mother-in-law Judy Huff; brother-in-law Kenneth Huff; Jason Brown; Jordan (Rachel) Huff; Evan (Megan) Huff; and cat Jazzpurr Harvey Holsapple. He is predeceased by his father-in-law: Ken Huff.
Penn was born in Miami, FL to Penn and Virginia Holsapple July 18, 1969. He was raised in his treasured Anchorage, Alaska along with his younger sister Gayle and moved to Orlando, Florida in 1987.
Penn graduated University of Central Florida and received his degree in Design Engineering. He played football for the UCF Knights as a Free Safety, proudly wearing number 35. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity.
Upon graduation, Penn commissioned through ROTC into the United States Army as an Aviation Officer in 1992. During his 27-year career, Penn flew 1,144 combat hours, and totaled over 4,400 flight hours. His assignments included Schweinfurt and Budingen West Germany; Fort Stewart, Georgia; Brooksville, Florida; and finally MacDill Air Force Base, Florida. Penn deployed six times during his career, to include three tours in Iraq, two to Bosnia, and one to Kosovo. He exhibited outstanding leadership, professionalism, initiative, and dedication, along with sincere concern for the welfare of Soldiers, Civilians, and Families. CW4 Holsapple exemplified what it means to be a "steward of the profession”. Throughout his time, Penn was a friend, a brother, and a father figure to many soldiers who served with him. Penn received numerous awards throughout his career, to include The Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Combat Action Badge, Air Assault Badge, Master Aviator Badge, and Parachutist Badge.
Penn met Jennyfer in Orlando, FL in 2010 and made her his wife March 26, 2016. He settled his family in Palm Harbor, Florida. He proudly adopted Avalon in 2017, making a large family of all girls he doted over. Penn loved all of his girls and affectionately called them his Sparkles.
Penn was a devoted father, husband and avid athlete. He played multiple sports. If there was a ball and buddies, he was eager to play and lived for the team comradery. He could be found at most home Knights’ football games or watching any and all levels of football. Penn loved traveling these great United States, hiking and biking with his wife and relaxing at Lake Willis. There was never a micro-brewery he could pass up and he enjoyed talking with the locals. His true heart was in connecting those he called friends. He was known for being wholly present when talking with you. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.
Services will include a viewing at Moss Feaster Dunedin, Florida from 7pm-8pm on Thursday October 20, 2022. There will be a graveside funeral service at the Bushnell National Cemetery on Friday October 21, 2022 at 10:30 am.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made out to Natalie’s College Fun AEIS FBO Natalie Holsapple and mailed to: 14311 Metropolis Ave. Ste. 205 Fort Myers, FL 33912
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