Norman T. Peniston Jr., 88, formerly of Montclair, died on Saturday, July 6, 2019.
Mr. Peniston was born on July 20, 1930, in Newark. He was the second of nine children and the eldest son born to Norman T. Peniston Sr. and Edith Lessye Peniston.
Mr. Peniston graduated from Orange High School in 1948. He briefly attended Rutgers University with the hope of pursuing a career in agriculture, but later apprenticed to be an electrician.
In 1951, Mr. Peniston enlisted in the United States Army, but was later asked to serve in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed in Parris Island, S.C. He served for two years and received the National Defense Service Award.
Upon completing his military service, he married Zelma P. Scott of Montclair on July 2, 1955. The couple lived in Montclair with their children, Norman III and Leah Patricia.
Pursuing a career as an electrician, Norman worked for Sol Satterwhite, Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation and the East Orange General Hospital until he retired in the late 1990s.
Mr. Peniston was an automobile enthusiast and at various times owned many antique and luxury vehicles. He was a member of the Suburban Sports Car Club during the 1960s and 1970s and was a founding member of Nostalgic Automobile Society of Montclair.
He often drove his restored antique cars in the Montclair African American Heritage Parade and the Montclair Fourth of July Parade, and showcased them at classic car shows. He also collected coins, Olympic pins, was an avid Giants fan and loved animals.
Mr. Peniston relocated to Louisiana and spent the last years of his life in the care of his children.
He was predeceased by his wife Zelma in 1974.
Mr. Peniston is survived by his children Norman T. Peniston III and Leah Patricia Peniston, his brother Gregory S. Peniston, grandson Norman T. Peniston IV, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, at the First Baptist Church of Madison, 34-36 Cook Ave., Madison. Interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Memorial Park, 268 Ridgedale Ave., East Hanover.