Perry C. Fennell Jr., 82, dentist and community leader

PERRY FENNELL had this peculiar habit. A dedicated runner, he always searched the ground ahead for a penny.

He probably wouldn't have turned down something with a larger value, but it was a penny he coveted.

"He always felt it was a special day when he found a penny," his family said.

Perry, a prominent dentist and longtime community leader, ran the annual Broad Street Run, a number of other races, and one marathon.

What did he do with the pennies? He collected them in jars, and, knowing what kind of a man he was, he probably ended up using them in some worthy cause or other.

Dr. Perry C. Fennell Jr., whose work for the community earned him the prestigious Philadelphia Award in 1975, a man devoted to helping Philadelphia young people live productive lives, an Army veteran and dedicated family man, died Nov. 21 of respiratory failure. He was 82.

His passion for running led him to serve as chairman of the 5K Red Cross Race, which was named in his honor, the Dr. Perry C. Fennell Jr. Race for Red Cross.

Perry opened his first dental office on Girard Avenue in West Philadelphia in 1962, joined with three partners to form a health-care center from 1970 to 1980, then resumed his own practice, Dental First Corp., at 56th and Vine streets, where he remained until his retirement in 2005.

As a community activist, Perry Fennell was most proud of the founding in 1967 of Interested Negroes Inc., a nonprofit organization for the advancement and education of black youth. The IN, as it was called, partnered with business and professional leaders to find jobs for the young people. The organization mentored more than 1,500 youths every year from 1967 to 1982.

Perry was the third president of New Era Dental Society, the local chapter of the National Dental Association, which educates the public about good oral health and provides scholarships for minority dental students.

He served as secretary of the local chapter of Gideons International, the evangelical organization that distributes Bibles, and was active with the American Cancer Society.

"To be acquainted with Dr. Fennell was to know a very loyal and generous man to family, friends and colleagues," his family said.

"Even during his yearly vacations in Wildwood, he treated many people. He constantly used his time, money and other resources to help folks in need.

"He helped young people struggling in high school, contributed to college tuitions, and even helped a few get out of jail."

He was instrumental in bringing the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures mobile van to Philadelphia to provide free oral health screening and education to neighborhood youth.

Perry was known as a fun-loving host and was known for his Fourth of July barbecues and New Year's Eve parties. As an active member of the West Philadelphia High School Reunion Committee, he helped organize excursions to the Penn Relays and picnics in Fairmount Park.

He was born in Philadelphia and graduated from West Philadelphia High in 1950. Using an American Legion Scholarship, he entered Temple University and received a bachelor's degree in 1954. He graduated in 1959 from Temple University School of Dentistry.

In 1959, he joined the Army and served as a dentist, attaining the rank of captain. He was discharged in 1961.

He married Gloria Burnett in 1955.

Because of his healthy lifestyle, it came as a shock when Perry was diagnosed with lupus at age 69. However, he never complained. When people asked him how he was doing, he always replied, "Fine, I'm doing great."

He wrote an autobiography, "Reflection of a Closet Christian."

Besides his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Renee Fennell Dempsey and Denise Fennell Adams; a sister, Barbara Flythe, and two grandchildren.

Services: 11 a.m. Monday at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, 5732 Race St. Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Era Dental Society Scholarship Fund, c/o Dr. Stephanie Clark, 7601 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia 19119.