The passing of John ‘Pen Man’ Boccanfuso OAM in 2024 touched the Penrith community with an outpouring of grief across social media and the establishment of temporary memorials.
Mr Boccanfuso, who was confined to a wheelchair after a bike accident at age 12, was a famous face in Penrith. For more than 45 dedicated years, he sold Aruma (formerly House with No Steps) pens to help raise money for people with a disability.
He sold more than a million pens and received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2011 for his service to people with a disability.
Then Penrith Councillor, Marlene Shipley, expressed her wish for the community to have a plaque which would forever honour the ‘Pen Man’ and the enormous contribution that John gave to his local community.
Today, Ms Shipley was joined by Penrith Mayor, Todd Carney, at the unveiling of the permanent memorial in the gardens of the Penrith Civic Centre.
“This is a special moment where our City is able to permanently recognise the incredible contribution that John Boccanfuso made in the lives of many in Penrith and beyond,” Mayor Carney said.
“John sold more than one million pens for charity over almost 50 years, but it was his infectious enthusiasm that saw him become a recognisable figure selling pens in Westfield.”
Ms Shipley described Mr Boccanfuso was “an icon of Penrith”.
“Everyone knew John, and equally John knew everyone,” Ms Shipley said.
“There wouldn’t be anyone in Penrith who didn’t know John, or the extraordinary work he did to support the ‘House with No Steps’.
“At the time of John’s passing I felt it was important for Penrith to honour him and provide an everlasting memorial for the impact he had on so many.”
The memorial plaque is situated in the gardens of the Penrith Civic Centre facing Westfield. It bears the inscription: ‘John always led by example promoting social inclusion of those living with disability. Your tireless fundraising for others will always be remembered The Penrith community will miss you dearly’.
