J. Renn Olenn of Barrington, RI died Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021. He leaves behind, Mary, his wife of nearly six decades, his fine sons, Adam Renn (Jennifer) and Timothy Hall (Michelle), his brother Stan (Bonnie), and his loyal friend and law partner of fifty years, Joseph F. Penza, Jr.

Renn is a graduate of Heidelberg University and Boston University School of Law. He served as a tank commander in the U.S. Army. He is admitted to practice law in RI, MA courts, Federal District Court and the United States Supreme Court.

The hallmarks of Renn’s 50-year legal career are integrity, exceptional case preparation and mentorship. He was true to his word and he was bound by the truth. His case preparation is legend - an exhaustive reading of the law, followed by keen listening to clients and witnesses, completed by his insatiable drive to fully understand the situation with his own eyes and hands. He paced intersections, studied rope, explored the holds of commercial fishing boats, drained pools, dove 80 feet under water, took equipment apart and examined the trapdoor of a pigeon coop, all in the effort to get it right.

Renn considered disciplined mentorship of attorneys at Olenn & Penza a responsibility to current and future clients. He was proud to guide these legal professionals.

Renn’s family life was built on commitment. A commitment that nurtured his optimism to cheerfully greet each new day. A safe harbor for play, curiosity, exploring new experiences and savoring apple pie. Renn had divine intervention when it came to finding the best parking spot and he never met a pen he didn’t need - sometimes one for him and one for Joe.

His legacy is his five grandchildren: Piper, Veronica, Wyatt Renn, Katie and Kasey. He welcomed each of them with wonder and gratitude. His unassuming self-confidence gave him the pleasure of pushing the red swing ever-higher, searching the beach for treasure, playing dolls, soldiers, tossing ball and always making a big lap for sharing stories and new ideas.

Renn ended every day with a satisfying exclamation, “Aren’t we lucky!"

He was predeceased by parents, Valjean B. and Stanley J. Olenn, and sister, Valjeane M. Olenn.

Anyone choosing to donate to the PROVIDENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY will honor Renn and cultivate his lifelong enjoyment of learning and reading.

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Providence, RI 02903

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