Samuel John Panico was born in Ellwood City on October 21, 1938 and died on October 27, 2022.
Those are the facts, But what’s truly important is how he lived. Hopefully, you knew him – and if you did, you loved him – but if you didn’t, you should come away from reading this knowing a few things.
First off, he loved his wife of 51 years, Patty, more than the human heart can hold that emotion. He raised two boys, Noah and Sam, whom he was very proud of. He lived in a very, very, very fine house with more than two cats in the yard (and a few inside too). And for over 38 years, he was an art teacher at Lincoln High School.
But beyond these facts, what you should remember is the way that he treated people. He had the innate ability to see the goodness in everyone, no matter who they were. He shared a passion for creativity with so many of his students. And most of all, he was a lover of life. He laughed loud and hard. He equally enjoyed eating everything from Alaskan king crab to chili dogs. And you could usually find him watching his shows, no matter how many times he forced his wife to watch them. While his loss is huge and can never be filled, the stories that he left behind will keep us smiling when times get tough.
Sam is survived by his wife Patty (Mack) and his sons Noah and Sam (Rebecca). He has been reunited with his mother and father, Sam “Pup” Panico Sr. and Mary DeNome Panico; his stepmother, Maria Pagani Panico; as well as his brothers Nick S., Frank “Bill,” Lee, Nick and sisters Gloria and Rose. There will be a mass at Divine Grace Parish in Ellwood City on Thursday, November 3 at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to do something nice for someone you love.
Arrangements entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City.
Online Condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com
Our deepest sympathy to your family. A wonderful man who made so many memories with his family and friends throughout his lifetime. May those memories help all of you through this difficult time. RIP Sam
Sam, Noah & family, saddened to learn of your dad’s passing. Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Mr. Panico was one of my favorite teachers in my high school life.
When I doubted myself in his art class, he showed me ways on how to overcome those doubts and succeed in that class.
He sure was a GREAT man and he will never be forgotten.
RIP Mr. Panico, thank you for being a WONDERFUL teacher and person in the world.
To his family, keep the Faith in God and know one day, you will be reunited with him again.
Godspeed,
Kevin L. Hamilton
Mr. Panico was an inspiration to me when I was in High School. He left me with a love for the arts as I was a Graphic Designer for 38 years and I loved every bit of it. His love for the arts as he taught it gave me the want to be an artist in my life’s work when others thought I should pursue other areas for my life. I will never forget the inspiration he gave me and I kept it all these years. Thank you Mr. Panico for your inspiration you gave me.
Patty, Sam and Noah.
Sam was such a wonderful man. He surely left his mark in this world. We have so many beautiful memories involving your family. What an impact Sam made on our children, as well as all he influenced as a teacher at Lincoln High. He will be missed.
Our deepest sympathies. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Trudi & Nick Manzo
Dear Patty, Sam, and Noah,
We were saddened to learn today of Sam’s passing. What a wonderful neighbor he was, so kind and generous to our children when they were small. We still have the letter he penned as Santa explaining to our Lily why he could not bring her the magical, fantastical, robotic chair that would carry her to the mailbox. Your loss is the world’s loss. We will keep you in our prayers.
Love,
The Santoros