Reginald Peniston ’69

The death of Reggie Peniston Feb. 7, 2011, diminishes greatly his family, his friends, and our Princeton class.  

After finishing Princeton and medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, Reggie, a native of Newark, joined the military to support his young family and did his cardiothoracic training in the Navy. After teaching at Howard University, he was at VA hospitals in Washington, D.C.; Tampa, Fla.; and Bay Pines, Va.  

His choice of working in the health-care system was a reflection of his belief that quality care in this country should be a right and not a privilege.  

Reggie had a personal and unique relationship with his children, Alex, Ashley, Justin, and Lauren ’13. An exceptionally kind and giving person, he demonstrated to them by his actions the merit of deep integrity.  

He loved classical and jazz music and was an avid reader and a profound and liberal thinker. He was an active leader in hospital ethics committees at his various posts. He loved to sail and, at the time of his death, was planning a trip to Cuba.  

Reggie leaves his four children; their mothers, Lynn and Janet; his mother, Lenore Peniston Reynolds; and his stepfather, Alton Reynolds. To them, we extend gratitude for a good life and sympathy on this great loss.