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Arnold Michael Panella Obituary

Brought to you by Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.

Arnold Michael Panella

New Castle, PA

July 22, 1935 - June 4, 2016

Arnold Michael Panella Obituary

Arnold Michael Panella, 80, of Neshannock Township, passed away the morning of June 4, 2016 at UPMC Jameson Hospital.


He was born July 22, 1935 in New Castle, a son of Michael C. and Mary Amadio Panella. They preceded him in death.


He was a 1953 graduate of New Castle High School and was associated with his father in Panella Auto Service.


He served as an airman with the 757th Troop Carrier Squadron of the Air Force Reserve at the Youngstown Municipal Airport after duty at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX and Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, WY in 1958.


He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA in 1962. He won a medal for the Outstanding Air Force ROTC Cadet in his Sophomore year. He was on the Dean's List for seven of his eight semesters.


He worked for two years as a reporter for the New Castle News, winning the Keystone Press Association award for outstanding feature story in 1963. He went to the Youngstown Vindicator in 1964, serving as a reporter, Assistant State Editor, and State Editor.


He was involved in an auto accident en route home from work off of Route 422 in December 1985. He was unconscious, and he was taken to Jameson Memorial Hospital and then life-lighted to Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. Surgery was performed to repair a ruptured cerebral aneurysm.


Following surgery and rehabilitation, he attempted to return to work, but he was forced to retire on disability.


He was a member of St. Camillus Church. Earlier, he served as Mass Commentator at the former St. Philip and James Church where he also served as Secretary and President of the Holy Name Society.


Surviving at home is his beloved wife of 53 years, the former Joan Frances Tropea, whom he married on September 15, 1962.


In addition to his wife, he leaves two sons and one daughter-in-law, Philip J. Panella of Pittsburgh, PA and Edward A. Panella and wife Johnna of Lock Haven, PA; a brother and sister-in-law, Robert F. Panella Sr. and wife Nancy of Fairborn, OH; and three grandchildren, Alyssa Carlene, Matthew Edward, and Parker Nathaniel. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Dr. Michael Panella.


He belonged to AARP and Retirees Breakfast Club of Youngstown Vindicator.


He enjoyed walking, crossword puzzles, reading, and watching tv, especially sports.


In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling with several leagues, such as St. Philip and James Mixed League and Colonial America. Arnold always be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother whose greatest joy came from spending time with his family.


Visitation will be held Tuesday from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 3000 Wilmington Rd. A procession will leave the funeral home Wednesday at 9:30am to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at St. Camillus Church, officiated by Father Michael Peck.


Interment will take place in Castleview Cemetery.

To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of Arnold Michael Panella hosted by Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc..

Events

Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Arnold Michael Panella.