A former Butler County Community College president died.

Thaddeus Henry Penar died Monday at his home in West Chester. He was 89.

Penar from 1991 to 1993 was president of BC3. Before that post, he held various positions at Grove City College. He was also inducted twice into the Butler Sports Hall of Fame.

Just this past weekend, he was honored at Grove City College for his athletic achievements while a student and administrator there. He was one of four people to receive the Athletic Heritage Award.

Born in 1920 in Lyndora, he attended Butler High School where he was on the track and football teams.

Penar entered Grove City College in 1938 as a student-athlete, where was a sprinter and played halfback for the football team.

After college graduation in 1942, he joined the college staff as chairman of the Department of Education in 1953 and eventually became dean of the college. He was the founder and coach of the cross-country team at the college.

After 38 years of service, Penar retired from Grove City College in 1990. Then, he joined BC3.