Dick Penna, a long-time leader in the profession, former APhA staff member and former Executive Vice President (EVP) of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), passed away on August 17. While we knew it was coming, today there’s a hole that used to be filled by his smile, warmth, and bigger-than-life optimism. Life goes on, and I know Dick was prepared for this better than we were, yet it’s a good time to reflect on his life and what he contributed to so many.

I spoke with Ed Feldmann, former APhA staffer, last week about Dick. The two were contemporaries at APhA. Ed joined the staff in 1959, and Dick was on the APhA staff from 1966 until 1985 when he left to join and ultimately lead AACP as EVP.

Ed told me that Dick led professional affairs at APhA. The Remington Honor Medal (Penna was the 2002 recipient) profile says Dick was executive secretary of the Academy of General Practice of Pharmacy, later to become the Academy of Pharmacy Practice. He was from California and was considered APhA’s point man on the cutting edge of a major reshaping of practice. Dick advocated for the pharmacist’s role in medication therapy, which was generally considered taboo at the time by the medical community. Pharmacists were prohibited from “counter prescribing” before Dick, APhA and other leaders effectively showed the way for pharmacists to step up and share their expertise with patients and prescribers.

As part of this revolution, Dick also spurred the publication of the first Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs (the “OTC Handbook”), so that pharmacists who were counseling patients on OTC use would have the resources to do so effectively.

I first met Dick when he was EVP of AACP. He was both gracious and passionate, and was truly a change agent. I enjoyed hearing his stories, and about his love for wine making. I think this photo, which was his Remington portrait, really captures his radiant smile. A love for the profession flows through the Penna family bloodline, as Dick’s brother Peter is also a pharmacist and profession leader. Dick leaves behind a great legacy and through his work and mentorship, we know that countless patients have lived better lives.

We will miss you, Dick.