Obituaries

Dr. Godfrey Pernell

March 21, 1922- March 8, 2021

Dr. Godfrey Pernell, widely known for his political engagement and civic participation, died on March 8 at the age of 98. Born March 21, 1922, the oldest son of Russian immigrants, Dr. Pernell was the quintessential first-generation success story. Growing up in Chicago in a family of modest means, he had an active and inquisitive mind and developed a life-long thirst for knowledge. He was interested in everything, but his passion was science.

During World War II, he practiced dentistry as a navy lieutenant. After the war, he travelled to Southern California where he met his wife of 58 years, Beverly Furst. They built their home in Rolling Hills (a place they both loved), raised a family and were active in social and civic life. Dr. Pernell was a member of the Rolling Hills City Council and served multiple terms as mayor of the city.

A life-long progressive and supporter of labor unions, Dr. Pernell created the first pre-paid dental program in the country in 1954, providing affordable dental care to union workers. The company he founded, Dental Health Services, was headquartered in Long Beach. 

He had no tolerance for racial injustice. In the 1950s, he won the Urban League award for the example he set with his multiethnic dental office.

He was a model of how to live a full and active life. He never stopped learning and trying new things. He enjoyed traveling, SCUBA diving, rare fruit and cacti gardening. He was, among other things, an entrepreneur, a metal sculptor, restaurant owner and amateur geologist. He read two newspapers a day and kept his mind challenged with crossword puzzles.

After he retired in his nineties, he helped create a local preschool at the Pacific Unitarian Church. He enjoyed spending time at his second home in Palm Springs where he had a wide-circle of friends. He was a mentor to many and generous with those in need. He had a great sense of humor and asked everyone he met for their best joke in exchange for one of his. He would end a conversation with, “Do good stuff,” a motto he lived by.

Godfrey was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Beverly, his daughter Deanne and sister Charlotte. He is survived by his sons, Gary, Wayne, and Jeff Pernell, his daughters-in-law, Wilhemina, Shannon, Melissa, Jan and Stephanie, his sister Estelle, his brother Marvin, 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Donations may be made to fridaysforfuture.org so others may have the opportunity to live as long and meaningful a life as Godfrey Pernell.

A virtual memorial service will be held Sunday, March 21 noon to 1 p.m. Live streaming from Pacific Unitarian Church, Palos Verdes. (Godfrey’s 99th birthday.) http://www.pacificunitarian.org

Terelle Jerricks

During his two decade tenure, he has investigated, reported on, written and assisted with hundreds of stories related to environmental concerns, affordable housing, development that exacerbates wealth inequality and the housing crisis, labor issues and community policing or the lack thereof.

Recent Posts

County to Protect Medi-Cal and CalFresh Access for 1.7 Million Residents Amid New Federal Work Requirements

The motion also calls for the expansion of workfare and volunteer opportunities across county departments…

22 hours ago

Governors Briefs: CalRx® Insulin, $11 a Pen, Will Soon be Available and Appointment Announced

This launch marks a significant step in the state's ongoing effort to lower prescription drug…

22 hours ago

Purdue Student Paper Shows Solidarity With Rival

  After the Indiana University Media School fired its director of student media and banned…

23 hours ago

POLA Lead Attorney Steve Otera Named Corporate Counsel of the Year by LA Business Journal

  LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Business Journal has given a top legal honor…

23 hours ago

Ports Briefs: POLB Cargo Slows as Clean Truck Study and Air Quality Report Highlight Progress

The Final 2024 Class 8 Drayage Truck Feasibility Assessment Report focuses on battery electric and…

1 day ago

Public Health Investigating Possible Local Spread of Clade I Mpox; Third Case Confirmed in Los Angeles County

So far in 2025, Public Health has reported 118 cases of clade II mpox.

2 days ago