In memoriam: Professor Ettore Pennestrì (1957–2024): a life dedicated to science, mentorship, and the art of kinematics

This paper commemorates the first anniversary of the passing of Professor Ettore Pennestrì (1957–2024), a distinguished scholar in Mechanism and Machine Science, who left an indelible mark on the scientific and engineering community. Pennestrì made pioneering contributions across diverse areas including theoretical kinematics, mechanism synthesis, gear analysis, multibody dynamics, compliant mechanisms, biomechanics, and vibration dampers. He was renowned for his interdisciplinary approach, skillfully integrating classical knowledge with advanced computational methods to solve contemporary industrial problems. A visionary educator, he championed the integration of multibody dynamics into engineering curricula in Italy and founded the highly influential International Multibody System Dynamics Workshop & Summer School. Beyond his academic prowess, he was cherished as an empathetic and generous mentor, deeply committed to nurturing the intellectual growth of his students and collaborators. Often described as a "keeper of kinematics' secrets," his intellectual curiosity, joy for sharing knowledge, and warm personality left an enduring legacy of transformative scientific contributions, profound impact on engineering education, and an inspiring example of a life dedicated to the advancement of science and the nurturing of human potential.