Xbox veteran Albert Penello has passed away at the age of 53.
The news was broken on social media by fellow Microsoft alumnus Mike Ybarra, who revealed that Penello had died following a battle with cancer. He passed away on December 31st and is survived by his wife Dara and daughter Lily.
Penello’s career in games started at Electronic Arts, where he was a product marketing manager for over six years from 1994 to 2000. During this time, he contributed to the likes of the Need for Speed, Xena and James Bond franchises. In October 2000, he joined Microsoft and over the course of an almost-18-year stint, helped launch not only the original Xbox console, but also the Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox One S and Xbox One , as well as Kinect.
In 2018, he moved to Amazon where he was working on the retail and tech giant’s Luna games platform. Almost six-and-a-half years later he moved to become principal technical product marketing manager for Amazon Web Services’ Automotive arm.
“I found out today that Albert Penello passed away from cancer,” Ybarra wrote.
“Incredibly sad to hear this. Albert was a long time Xbox employee and gaming fan. I spoke to Albert about a month ago, checking in to see how he was. His spirits were high, his attitude was remarkable given the situation. I will remember Albert as a kind person, sharing, and having an incredible passion for the hobby we all love…. gaming. His energy and commitment were second to none. His impact on Xbox was noteworthy. Always debating for the right answer and striving to keep players first. I pray for his wife and 12 year old daughter during this difficult time. RIP Albert – and thanks for everything you did for your family, friends, and gaming.”
Xbox veteran and current Unity director of community Larry Hryb added: “Devastated by the loss of my close friend, Albert Penello – Albert was a pillar of gaming at Microsoft and Amazon, a brilliant, trusted voice in our industry, a loyal friend, and most importantly a husband and father who was profoundly loved by his wife, Dara and daughter, Lily.
“My heart is with his family. When I visited with Albert last week, he was in good spirits. He said how grateful he was to have worked in this industry with so many passionate fans.”
