Matt Pennings

May 4, 1931 – July 30, 2026

Matt Pennings lived an extraordinary life spanning 95 years, two continents, and one great love.

Born in Eindhoven, Netherlands, on May 4, 1931, Matt came of age during the hardships of World War II. His father owned a mechanic shop and hoped Matt would one day take over the family business, but Matt dreamed of a different path. He pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Delft University of Technology before embarking on a journey that first took him to Canada and eventually to Silicon Valley.

An entrepreneur and gifted engineer, Matt founded two successful semiconductor companies, EMB and Semitec. He earned a reputation for innovation and perseverance. In 1980, he received the prestigious SEMI Award in recognition of his invention of the ultrasonic wire bonder, a significant contribution to the semiconductor industry.

In 1965, while on a ski holiday in Austria, Matt met the love of his life, Christl Lammer. They married the following year, beginning a partnership that would span sixty wonderful years. Together they built a loving home and raised three children: Nicole (Tom), Michael, and Sylvia. Nothing brought Matt greater joy than watching his family grow to include his grandsons, Nicole and Tom’s sons, Drew and Noah.

Matt loved to fly and found great joy in piloting his own Cessna, combining his passion for engineering with the freedom of the open sky. One of Matt’s greatest pleasures was spending time at the family cabin in Lake Tahoe, which was purchased in 1972. When a young Michael would wake him up at 6 am to go waterskiing, he would never say no.

After retirement, Matt and Christl embraced a new season of adventure, traveling the world together and returning often to St. Gilgen, Austria, where they rented the same apartment each year for seventeen years. When their landlord never increased the rent, Matt insisted on paying more, a reflection of his generous spirit and his desire to treat people well.

Matt passed away peacefully at home on July 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He will be remembered for his ingenuity, determination, generosity, humor and unwavering devotion to those he loved.

He is survived by his beloved wife Christl; his children Nicole Jordan (Tom), Michael, and Sylvia; and his grandsons Drew and Noah.

His remains rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos, CA.