David “Penny” Pendleton

October 10th, 2025

Sharing a photo with Dave from a Kraft reunion. He was a deeply respected leader, admired by his team and community. I’ll always remember his smile and the way he made time to give back to others. Early in my career, Dave took a chance on me and opened doors I’ll always be grateful for. Honored to have known him and been part of his team. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

~Delilah Kukla (Kutschma)
~Former Colleague at Kraft Foods International, Lake Geneva, WI

October 10th, 2025

Dave was a wonderful leader and manager. He protected his team. He made big decisions with speed powered by intellect and compassion. He fostered inclusion long before global inclusion was popular. He likely saw the global workplace earlier than others. He recognized and rewarded talent. I learned a lot from Dave and carried it forward. I have many specific memories that warm my heart whenever I think of Dave. I’ll keep those as my own. I am very sad his life ended far too young and pray his family will progress through grief and carry forward the best elements of Dave tucked away in their hearts and memories for ever. In that way I believe Dave lives on in them.

~Patti Boggi-Gibbons
~Colleague Kraft/MDLZ, Northfield/Deerfield IL US

October 10th, 2025

I was truly blessed to work for and alongside Dave for nearly two decades at MDLZ. Throughout that time, he believed in me and supported me at pivotal moments in both my career and my life.

I will always remember his warm smile and the way he began every conversation by genuinely checking in on the person in front of him. He had a remarkable ability to navigate the world with grace while guiding his team through challenges, aspirations, and setbacks.

Dave’s approachability and his joy in being with the team, wherever in the world we happened to be, were legendary. Whether it was bashing through dunes, playing a round of golf, or sharing a thoughtful conversation over dinner, Dave was always at the heart of it.

Over the years, he touched and transformed countless careers and lives. I remain deeply grateful for all I learned from him and strive to carry forward the same humanity and generosity he embodied.

My thoughts and prayers are with Dave’s wonderful family. Though I only had the chance to meet Eileen in person, I often heard stories of the many achievements and moments that made him so proud.

Dave, you are profoundly missed. Your spirit, kindness, and impact live on in all of us.

~Rupert Slezak
~Colleague @ MDLZ, Austria

October 10th, 2025

Dave was a childhood friend (middle/high school) in Port Jervis. He was always smart, kind, and had an centeredness of wisdom and calm beyond his years even then. I’m not surprised to see what a tremendous human he grew to be from all the kind comments here. I am so very sorry for your loss – he is gone from our earthly side way too soon. May his memory always be a blessing. Wishing all who loved him peace during this difficult transition.

~Missy Gluckmann
~friend,

October 10th, 2025

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Please know that I am here for you if you need support.

~Samantha Guerra
~Evan’s Colleague, Cincinnati, OH

October 10th, 2025

Dave was a great Leader, but more than that a very respectiful and patient person. He was my mentor for almost two years and during that period he was always very candor, wise but also a great advisor /teacher with a very high level of emphaty. But What I Will keep the most are our conversations about his memories related to Chicago Bulls history while I was watching the Jordan’s series (the Last Dance). And also his adventurous Car road trips with his dog to Arizona!!! I was deeply saddened to hear about your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences Leandro

~Leandro Magalhães
~Rewards Brazil (Mondelez team member), Curitiba, Brazil

October 10th, 2025

My overwhelming memory of Dave is that he was a kind, warm-hearted man who believed in me and gave me my ‘big break’ after Kraft bought Cadbury. As my direct manager, he gave me freedom to operate with wise guidance available when needed. I will be forever appreciative of his impact on my career and, indirectly, my family.

~Dave Nelson
~Mondelez colleague, Birmingham

October 10th, 2025

I was lucky to meet Dave in 2003 and work under his leadership for five transformative years at Kraft/Mondelez. Dave was more than a boss — he was a mentor, a compassionate friend, and a true gentleman whose warmth and guidance left an indelible mark on my life. His trademark leadership style — a youthful smile with an assertive wisdom — inspired so many of us around him. Though we hadn’t connected in many years, the memories of his support during challenging times, the celebration events together and the vibrant team he built remain vivid among my most cherished. To Dave’s family and friends, my deepest condolences; words fall short of capturing this loss. To Dave, my heartfelt gratitude for shaping me in ways you may never have realized. “Some people come into our lives and quietly go. Others stay awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same”. (Flavia Weedn)

~Tania Reis
~Former colleague, Kraft/Mondelez, São Paulo / Brazil

October 10th, 2025

I have known Dave since I was one year old when my parents and I moved to Chicago. I always saw him as a father figure, and he always treated me as one of his children with Casey, Evan, and Cole. I will forever cherish our family trips, such as going to Aruba, and he was always so easy going. Anytime I would look at him, he would have the biggest smile. As I grew up, Dave would always be so interested in what I am studying at college and now law school, and would finish our conversation with the same sentence: “Jesse, I am so proud of you.” Hearing those words from a father figure of mine, who was normally soft spoken, would make me feel so good about myself. I will always also cherish our Giants conversations with Cole and Evan, as I enjoyed hearing his anger about the Giants. He never failed to make me laugh. Finally, a staple of my growth, from years ~2003 – 2016, New Years Eve at the Pendletons was special. Dave was always interested in the games we were playing (maybe the parents were just boring him). He truly felt like a second father or an uncle to me since I can ever remember. The world will not be the same without him. I love Dave and the Pendletons so much, sending my love and wishes from far.

~Jesse Stein
~Close Family Friend, Buffalo Grove, IL

October 10th, 2025

I worked with Dave at Mondelez and he was an amazing leader – compassionate with people at the heart of the discussion, full of integrity and caring. He taught many of us how one could lead with the heart and mind.
He will be missed!

~Jennifer Ah Whaye
~Colleague,

October 10th, 2025

Please see our farewell pic with Dave – From Mondelez

~Keith Mendez
~Ex Colleague from Mondelez, Zurich, Switzerland

October 10th, 2025

Dave and I met the first time more than 30 years ago – as we both attended a company sponsored leadership meeting in NYC. Who would have thought that our paths will continue to cross over decades and end in the last years of our time at MDLZ being on the same team, seeing each other almost daily. The news of Dave’s passing is devastating and brought back many memories. As I shared the sad news across our MDLZ/Kraft/Philip Morris family it became clear how much Dave was liked, appreciated and how many lives he has touched.
Dave was never looking for the spotlight, I knew that he always had my back, cared deeply about his team and was able to balance what was right for the individual and the company. Whatever stress or workload we faced (and there were crazy times) – Dave was always calm, approachable and focused to get the impossible over the finish line. Everybody trusted Dave to do the right thing, he was the ultimate professional. He is gone way too early and I am just glad that I can cherish many memories.
RIP – Sandra Stenico, Austria

~STENICO SANDRA
~Colleague @ MDLZ, Austria

October 10th, 2025

Sending love and giant hugs to you all. You are in our prayers and hearts. We love you! – Norman, Phyllis, Andrea, Sean, Halle

~Andrea Halpern
~Extended family, Boca Raton, Fl

October 10th, 2025

I became very good friends with Dave my senior year in Port Jervis High School. The stories and great memories are endless. We are all in shock to hear of his passing. Eileen and family we are so sorry for your loss and you’re in our thoughts and prayers.

~Ken McInerney
~Friend, New Ashford , Massachusetts

October 10th, 2025

I will always remember Dave as a zen leader, calm, kind, and full of quiet wisdom. I’m deeply grateful for the trust he placed in me and for the many opportunities he opened along the way. I missed him deeply after his retirement; it simply wasn’t the same without his steady presence and gentle guidance. Working with him was a true gift, and his spirit continues to inspire me.

~Claudia Hernandez
~Former colleague at MDLZ, Bogota, Colombia

October 9th, 2025

A wonderful superior. Always fair, considerate, understanding and a pleasure to work for and with.

~Anita Noel
~Colleague, Dandridge, TN

October 9th, 2025

I was fortunate enough to meet Penny at Silverleaf in Scottsdale, AZ. I would caddy for Penny often and he always made me feel like I was playing in the group opposed to working for the group. Penny did not have bad days and made everyone around him feel good. I know I speak for everyone here in Scottsdale when I say that he will be missed and never forgotten!

~Marty Sanchez
~Friend, Phoenix, AZ

October 9th, 2025

I met David almost 30 years ago. He proved to be, not only a gifted business leader, but also a close confidante and friend over the years. Every time we would meet, it was always the same. A smile, a handshake, a brief hug… and then he would ask, “How are you doing?” (And he really meant it!).
He spoke often of Eileen and his children and how proud he was of all of the things they had done and accomplished.

Over the past two days, members of the Kraft/Mondelez extended family from around the world have been grieving, but also sharing wonderful memories and stories about David via phone calls, texts and emails with each other.

Clearly, our colleague and friend, David ,will be missed, but the memories of the times we shared together will remain forever.

~Tom Boyd
~Friend and Colleague, Augusta, Michigan

October 9th, 2025

I had the pleasure of working with Dave for approximately 12 years prior to my retirement in 2008. Dave was a smart and helpful professional and, most importantly, a kind and caring person – a truly wonderful teammate. My prayers and deepest sympathies go out to Dave’s family and many friends.

~Tom Thurman
~Colleague, Fish Creek, Wisconsin

October 9th, 2025

I first met Penny about four years ago at Silverleaf, where I use to have the pleasure of caddying for him. Over the years, we spent countless rounds together, probably close to a hundred even through sunshine, rain, and everything in between. Every round with Penny, his friends, and his family was something I genuinely looked forward to.

Even after moving on from Silverleaf to pursue a different career, I always made it a point to come back each year for the member-member to caddie for him. It was something I truly cherished. From shared laughs and friendly competition to those spontaneous “emergency nines” where we would play scotch his favorite game, Penny made every day on the course memorable.

He was someone whose kindness, humor, and warmth made a lasting impression on everyone around him. Penny will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.

~Ian Hagener
~Friend, Scottsdale

October 9th, 2025

David came to work for us following his retirement at Mondelez, as one of our Executive Advisors. Dave was the consummate professional, easy to work with and compassionate with his clients who were in career transitions. Our team is deeply saddened by his passing, and our prayers and best wishes go out to his family and friends. May they find peace in David’s life well-lived.

~John Wirkes
~Colleague at Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Denver, CO