Karl Josef von Schmidt-Penta born in Needham, MA on October 2nd, 1967 passed away on June 14th, 2025. Karl grew up in Lexington, MA and is the son of the late Richard Michael Penta and Dorothea Therese [Schmidt] Penta. He is survived by his sister Dorlise (Dee) Molloy, brother in law Aiden Molloy, niece Ciara Molloy, and nephew Aiden Molloy of Sandwich, MA. He leaves behind many cousins and extended family.

Karl graduated from Lexington High School in 1985 before he received his degree from Berklee College of Music. Following his lifelong passion for music, Karl became a music teacher for children. Though he taught for over 30 years, his most recent classroom was located at West Broadway Middle School in Providence, RI. Karl's patience, kindness, and generosity made him a remarkable teacher who will live on in the hearts of his students and colleagues forever. Karl was quick to provide for his students, at times paying for instruments they lacked to ensure funding was never a barrier to their exploration of music. He celebrated diversity and inclusion at the core of his being and even spent his last months creating a "Parade of Nations" intended to celebrate the various ethnicities who call West Broadway Elementary their home. Even in his absence, Karl would urge his students to continue to grow in their own journey with music.

Karl's benevolence was not limited to his students. Karl attended every milestone of his niece and nephew, once even making the drive across state lines to drop a heartfelt gift at a moment's notice. Karl would go to the ends of the earth for those he loved. Karl glowed in the presence of his loved ones, and the memory of him surrounded by his extended family singing "Frosty the Snowman" on Christmas each year will bring his surviving loved ones joy in the years to come.

In his own right, Karl was a gifted musician. Although he played many instruments, the guitar always occupied a special spot in Karl's life. Over the years, he was a member of many bands which he cherished immensely. Karl was blessed to have many friends whom he affectionately referred to as his "brothers". Although not related by blood, Karl's chosen family remains just as touched by his kindness and impressive guitar riffs.

The saying goes that the more nicknames one gathers through their lives, the more loved a person is. By this logic, it is no surprise that Karl was loved immensely. Karl's sister Dee, known to Karl as "Norma" or his "bf", will carry the memory of her "Roger" with her forever. His friends who referred to him as "Karlos Pantana", his colleagues who called him the "Music Man", and his niece, nephew, and bandmates who referred to him lovingly as Uncle Karl will feel his passing greatly. His presence will always remind those who knew him best of an orange cat and the scent of a freshly smoked cigar.

Though Karl loved all music, the Grateful Dead occupied a treasured place in his heart. As Jerry Garcia wrote, "Fare the well, fare thee well, I love you more than words can tell".

Celebration of life.❤️

Wednesday, August 27th, 2025 from 3-5 pm

First Church, 136 Main Street, Sandwich, MA