Welcome to the memorial page for
John Carmen Panichello
July 11, 1931 ~ October 11, 2017 (age 86) 86 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Las Vegas
August 2, 2018 9:33 PM
I wish I had known that Mr. Panichello had passed last year. I would have liked to have shared a story at his service, but I'll share it here.
He was my position coach in football at PW for three years. My senior year, at the team's post-season awards ceremony, all the seniors were called out by name and their dads joined them on stage. My dad had died before I even made it to high school. I was the only senior without a father to represent him. I was nervous, I didn't know what would happen when they called my name and my father wasn't there. I didn't want people to think he was an uncaring father and just didn't show up. They called my name and explained to the guests in the auditorium that my dad had passed away some years ago. Then they said that Mr. Panichello would step in for him. Mr. Panichello walked over to me and joined the rest of the seniors and their fathers on the stage. He put his arm around me. I couldn't believe it. I felt so humbled and honored and so relieved. He looked at me with that sort of sideways grin of his as if to say, "Don't worry, kid. I got you." At least that's the way it felt to me.
That was more than 40 years ago. I'll never forget that moment, and I'll never forget him. He was gruff and tough on the football field, always pushing you to do more, to do better. But that night showed just how compassionate and kind-hearted a man he was. May he rest in eternal peace.
He was my position coach in football at PW for three years. My senior year, at the team's post-season awards ceremony, all the seniors were called out by name and their dads joined them on stage. My dad had died before I even made it to high school. I was the only senior without a father to represent him. I was nervous, I didn't know what would happen when they called my name and my father wasn't there. I didn't want people to think he was an uncaring father and just didn't show up. They called my name and explained to the guests in the auditorium that my dad had passed away some years ago. Then they said that Mr. Panichello would step in for him. Mr. Panichello walked over to me and joined the rest of the seniors and their fathers on the stage. He put his arm around me. I couldn't believe it. I felt so humbled and honored and so relieved. He looked at me with that sort of sideways grin of his as if to say, "Don't worry, kid. I got you." At least that's the way it felt to me.
That was more than 40 years ago. I'll never forget that moment, and I'll never forget him. He was gruff and tough on the football field, always pushing you to do more, to do better. But that night showed just how compassionate and kind-hearted a man he was. May he rest in eternal peace.
A candle was lit by Mary Ellen Fazio Hoffman
on October 15, 2017 11:09 PM
A candle was lit by Mary Lanza Carbo
on October 15, 2017 9:00 AM
Message from Dayle Smear Malantonio
October 15, 2017 12:25 AM
A wonderful teacher and an exceptional person.. Admired by so many students that walked the halls of Plymouth Whitemarsh High School.. My condolences to his family, may he rest in eternal peace.
Message from Suzanne Atkinson Kiley
October 14, 2017 1:09 PM
What a tribute. He has continued all the good things he wanted to do right until his death. Our great PW Class sponsor and a wonderful typing teacher. So proud of you Big John!!!!
Message from Chicago, IL
October 14, 2017 10:47 AM
Mr. Panichello was my homeroom teacher for four years and my typing teacher for one. He was tough as nails, but we had a mutual admiration for each other. I kept my mouth shut and typed and he appreciated that. My brother was on the football team and I often saw Mr. Panichello after I graduated. He was very supportive of me during cheerleading tryouts and went out of his way to help me. Thanks to him, I can type 85 WPM and had a very successful career as a secretary and administrative assistant at United Airlines. As I type this condolence, it is because of his strict teaching methods that I can do it so quickly and accurately. " ASDFJKL", I can still hear his voice in my head and see his stubby little fingers air typing those letters! He was a remarkable person and I am so sad to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family and friends. Carol Leitz Cohen
Message from John F Pontin
October 13, 2017 8:50 PM
rip,Coach. He was my teacher and coach at PW. I remember him fondly.
Message from Brian J. Davis
October 13, 2017 6:33 PM
Mr. Panichello was my wrestling coach (7-12) and my "Weight Team" (for kids too small for Jr. High football) coach in 7th grade. He also gave me my first (and only) detention. Hands down - He is the HS teacher that made the most impact on my life. RIP Mr. Panichello 😍
Message from Debbie Ladd
October 13, 2017 5:06 PM
Mr. John was a blessing and an inspiration to all of us at the SEBTS Manna Ministry and Share Shop. It was an honor and a privilege to have known him.
A candle was lit by Evangelist Emma Belin-Reese
on October 13, 2017 12:07 PM
Message from Evangelist Emma Belin-Reese
October 13, 2017 12:04 PM
To the family and friends of the lateJohn Panichello. May our Heavenly Father grant unto you His enduring strength, faith, love, hope, and everlasting peace, that you will know He will keep you in perfect peace, whose hearts and mind stayed on Christ Jesus.
Let me farther say this man of God, let it be known he trusted in the God of his salvation, i heard and witnessed his belief and dependence on our Lord and Savior. He knew that even, during his illness he gave God the praise and glory. Brother “PANICHELLO” rest in Jesus,
Amen 🙏🏽
Let me farther say this man of God, let it be known he trusted in the God of his salvation, i heard and witnessed his belief and dependence on our Lord and Savior. He knew that even, during his illness he gave God the praise and glory. Brother “PANICHELLO” rest in Jesus,
Amen 🙏🏽
A Peace at the Cross was sent on October 13, 2017
Love Michael and the O'Donnell Family
A candle was lit by Little Mike & Christine Panichello
on October 13, 2017 9:31 AM
October 13, 2017 12:32 AM
Uncle John you will be missed. You were such a sweet guy. Love you. Rest In Peace.
A candle was lit by Stephanie Berardi and Jayden Berardi
on October 13, 2017 12:30 AM
A candle was lit by George and Debbie
on October 12, 2017 11:52 PM
Message from Debbie
October 12, 2017 11:29 PM
Uncle, we were blessed to have you in our lives for so many years. We have shared so many laughs and good times - just lots of wonderful memories. Heaven has gained an angel. You will forever be in our hearts. It meant so much to us that you were able to celebrate our wedding with us but sadly it was the last time that you and your brothers were together. Give our love to Mom and Dad. RIP. Love, Debbie and George
A candle was lit by Debbie
on October 12, 2017 11:22 PM
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