John Michael Penfield

John Michael Penfield of Versailles, Kentucky, died June 11, 2025. He was born January 29, 1947, in Meadville, Pennsylvania. He was a 1964 graduate of Conneaut Valley High School and a 1968 graduate of Pennsylvania State University. While a student at Penn State, John worked with one of the earliest practical applications of the computer. His knowledge and expertise grew along with the technology, and he enjoyed a successful career as an executive with several employers, eventually retiring from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Shortly thereafter he became involved with the Bluegrass railroad Museum, volunteering as executive director. John’s efforts were instrumental to that organization’s recovery from a fire in the museum building and the expansion of the tourist railroad’s offerings, culminating in the construction of a maintenance and repair facility for the rolling stock.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Sterle A. and Virginia C. Penfield (Hilton); and his sister, Linda L. Penfield, all of Conneautville, Pennsylvania.

He is survived by his wife, Janet R. Penfield of Versailles; his stepdaughter, Anne J. Fitzpatrick of Lexington; his sons, Brian J. (Jennifer) Penfield of Enola, Pennsylvania, and Michael J. (Karen) Penfield of Lake City, Pennsylvania; and his grandchildren, Sean, Sarah, Paige, and Michael Penfield, and Mila Fitzpatrick.

The family appreciates your respect for their request for privacy at this time.