Dr. Thomas Michael Penders

October 11, 1945 - January 12, 2023
Dr. Thomas Michael Penders

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Dr. Thomas Michael Penders, 77, a resident of Pamlico Plantation in Washington, NC, passed away at his home on Thursday, January 12, 2023.

A visitation is scheduled to he held at Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service on Saturday, February 4, from 2:00-4:00pm.

Tom was born to the late Harry and Dorothy Penders (Linsner) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 11, 1945. He is survived by his wife Susan Penders; six children: Michael T. Penders, Rebecca Mcdonald and husband Matthew, Thomas Penders Jr, Ashley H. Penders, Joshua Squires and wife Brittany, Dylan Squires and wife Charlotte; and five grandchildren: Hayden, Luke, and Morgan Mcdonald along with Kylie and Lauren Penders.

Tom enjoyed novelty and adventure in life. He was warm, and loved spending his free time with friends and family. He was happy, kind, and warm-hearted, and enjoyed the finer things in life – like a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Nothing made him beam like a freezer well-stocked with Vermont’s finest frozen treat.

He received his medical degree from Hahnemann Medical School (which later became Drexel College of Medicine) before completing his residency at Dartmouth college in New Hampshire, one of the nations eight Ivy-league institutions. After passing his boards he went on to be a physician for over four decades.

“What we once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.” Tom will always be on our mind and in our hearts, and he will be missed, forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Psychiatric foundation of North Carolina, 222 North Person Street, Suite 012, Raleigh NC 27601.

Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service is honored to assist the Penders family.




Visiting Hours

Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service
  • Saturday, February 4, 2023
  • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

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  • July 01, 2023
    Leeann lit a candle:
    Lit since July 1, 2023 at 7:44:40 AM

  • June 30, 2023
    Leeann says:
    You knew what you were doing, Dr. Penders. I'll remember you forever. So sorry to learn of your demise. I wish peace and comfort to everyone at this time. So sorry for everyone for this great loss. Deepest condolences to all.

  • March 01, 2023
    Karen says:
    Dr. Penders, fly free, like you've helped so many do here.

  • March 01, 2023
    Karen Anne Hayes lit a candle:
    Lit since March 1, 2023 at 3:16:31 AM

  • March 01, 2023
    Karen Anne Hayes lit a candle:
    Lit since March 1, 2023 at 3:16:04 AM

  • February 03, 2023
    Maggie Brienza lit a candle:
    Lit since February 3, 2023 at 2:48:05 AM

  • January 22, 2023
    Ben and Lorrie Reed lit a candle:
    Lit since January 22, 2023 at 1:13:45 PM

  • January 21, 2023
    Dylan Squires lit a candle:
    Lit since January 21, 2023 at 1:22:18 PM

  • January 20, 2023
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    Lit since January 20, 2023 at 1:51:12 PM

  • January 20, 2023
    Janet & Wayne Estabrooks lit a candle:
    Lit since January 20, 2023 at 1:24:01 PM

  • January 20, 2023
    Adrienne Whipple lit a candle:
    Lit since January 20, 2023 at 1:56:56 PM

  • January 17, 2023
    Philip and Patty Franklin lit a candle:
    Lit since January 17, 2023 at 1:56:29 PM

  • January 17, 2023
    Peter P. Ganpat, MD says:
    Dr Penders was a great person and mentor. He has inspired me to become the physician I am today and his legend will live on with all of those who he helped or guided to success. We'd like to express our sincerest condolences to his family.

  • January 17, 2023
    NC Psychiatric Association says:
    Dear Penders family, The NC Psychiatric Association would like to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of Dr. Penders. He led an extraordinary life and will be deeply missed in the psychiatric community. He was a Distinguished Life Fellow Member of the American Psychiatric Association and the NC Psychiatric Association as well as a Past-President of the NCPA. We will continue to appreciate all he contributed to the citizens of our state.

  • January 17, 2023
    Thomas Penders lit a candle:
    Lit since January 17, 2023 at 1:29:57 PM

  • January 17, 2023
    Mike Penders lit a candle:
    Lit since January 17, 2023 at 1:24:32 AM

  • January 17, 2023
    Cathy Craig lit a candle:
    Lit since January 17, 2023 at 1:04:51 AM

  • January 16, 2023
    James f Dewey says:
    Tom aka Pendy Wendy a member of the 3rd and Bristol funster gang growing up. Fantastic athlete, generous, lots of lightness and humor, always stood up to the bad guys and just plain brilliant. May Tom's life and passing be a reminder to be in the moment and do not get caught up in drama and BS self-talk. He would want it that way. Peace and love my friend.

  • January 16, 2023
    Josh Squires lit a candle:
    Lit since January 16, 2023 at 1:45:06 PM

  • January 16, 2023
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    Lit since January 16, 2023 at 1:34:58 PM

  • January 16, 2023
    Adelfa Feldman lit a candle:
    Lit since January 16, 2023 at 1:21:32 AM

  • January 16, 2023
    Jack McLeod says:
    Jerry I send my condolences to the entire Penders family. I remember Tom as a very good and competitive athlete. I watched as he caught you pitching and gave you pointers on different pitches. Jack, Tom, and you were always close. Who could forget what you guys would bring back from Avalon. Snakes, Turtles, whatever, there was always something. You all are a deep part of my "3rd" street memories. Be blessed and always remember all of the good times.

  • January 16, 2023
    Jack McLeod lit a candle:
    Lit since January 16, 2023 at 1:44:27 AM

  • January 15, 2023
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    Lit since January 15, 2023 at 1:25:03 PM

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    Lit since January 15, 2023 at 1:11:02 PM

  • January 15, 2023
    Claudia Bennett lit a candle:
    Lit since January 15, 2023 at 1:05:07 PM

  • January 15, 2023
    Jerry Penders lit a candle:
    Lit since January 15, 2023 at 1:45:30 PM

  • January 15, 2023
    Jerry Penders says:
    Thanks for looking out for me big brother

  • January 15, 2023
    Courtney Ryan lit a candle:
    Lit since January 15, 2023 at 1:50:07 PM

  • January 15, 2023
    Katie KimmellDolchan lit a candle:
    Lit since January 15, 2023 at 1:33:22 PM

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  • January 15, 2023
    Heather small lit a candle:
    Lit since January 15, 2023 at 1:46:44 AM

  • January 14, 2023
    Jean Hansson says:
    So sorry for the loss. A dedicated physician.

  • January 14, 2023
    Darryl and Joan Reardon lit a candle:
    Lit since January 14, 2023 at 1:26:37 PM

  • January 14, 2023
    Darryl and Joan Reardon lit a candle:
    Lit since January 14, 2023 at 1:26:04 PM

  • January 14, 2023
    Darryl and Joan Reardon lit a candle:
    Lit since January 14, 2023 at 1:25:37 PM