Seniority/Lawyer advises younger generation to learn Spanish

Editor's note: This is one in an occasional series of chats with local seniors about their lives, youthful aspirations, sources of pride and regret, plus a bit of wisdom to share with younger folks.

Peter Penczer, 76, Fairfield real estate developer and lawyer, advises the younger generation to master an occupation that cannot be digitalized. He also advises the take-over generation to become proficient in Spanish, learning to read, write and speak that language.

Penczer labels himself an eternal student. His first college degree was earned at the United States Military Academy, West Point. His second was from Yale Law School many years later.

Locally, Penczer is proud of having helped to get Fairfield's second railroad station on track. He's also proud of involvement in Operation Hope that feeds area homeless.

He's greatly concerned about growing old. That makes him realize some things he wants to do will have to be accomplished by others.

Q: How long have you lived in Fairfield?

A: 76 years.

Q: Are you married?

A: To Lynne, 53 years.

Q: Children?

A: Two sons.

Q: Are you retired?

A: Semi.

Q: What did you do when you worked full-time?

A: Active duty with the U.S. Army in Germany, followed by practice of law and becoming a real estate developer.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: Lawyer and real estate developer.

Q: What are your main hobbies and interests?

A: Raising 17 kinds of orchids, travel, scuba diving and hand-writing analysis.

Q: Do you have a favorite work of art?

A: A group. Landscapes by the Impressionists.

Q: What music do you listen to?

A: Guitar, folk music.

Q: Do you have a favorite movie?

A: "Das Boot." It's about the chase of a Nazi submarine in the Atlantic ocean.

Q: What TV show do you watch regularly?

A: None.

Q: Who was the best President of the United States and why?

A: President George Washington. He pulled the country together.

Q: What would you advise President Obama to do?

A: Go for it. Try to narrow economic disparity across the land.

Q: Do you have any regrets in life?

A: That I didn't go for it more often along the way.

Q: What achievements of yours are you most proud?

A: Helping to get Fairfield's second railroad station on track. I am also proud of being named Fairfield Honoree of the Year for running the local Operation Hope that takes care of feeding area homeless.

Q: Best piece of advice for the younger generation?

A: Learn an occupation that can't be digitalized. Become bi-lingual. Learn to speak, write, read Spanish.

Q: What brings you your greatest joy?

A: Reunions at West Point.

Q: If you had a magic wand, what would you wish for?

A: There is no magic wand. Just do it and do it now. When you have done it, you will be a new and different person.

Pmccormack@bcnnew.com; 203-255-4561, ext. 116