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New Castle News
John Patrick Panella, 72, of Arlington, Texas, died Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007.
He was born in New Castle on Dec. 6, 1934.
John is the 111th classmate to pass on.
He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in mechanical engineering and began his career with Reliable Luggage in Ellwood City. His career as a materials handling design engineer and eventually mechanical engineering manager took him to Kentucky, Michigan and then to Arlington, where he worked for 20 years for Stearns Airport Equipment. He retired from Siemens Airport Baggage Operations in 2002.
He was a member of the Sons of Italy in New Castle for many years. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Arlington.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Barbara Ann; daughter, Debra Brown and her husband, William, of Gastonia, N.C.; sons, Jon Panella and wife, Lynda, of Burleson, and Bryan Panella and wife, Karen, of Arlington; sister, Shirley Panella of Huntsville, Ala.; brother-in-law, Frederick Vago; sister-in-law, Carol Vago; and grandchildren, Melinda Brown, Patrick Brown, Rachel Panella, Emily Panella, Natalie Panella and Nicholas Panella.
A funeral Mass was held Sept. 8 in Arlington. Burial was in Moore Memorial Gardens.
He was the 338th classmate to walk down the aisle at graduation. After his name in the Yearbook it reads:
"Lots of fun and a swell addition to the class." Homeroom representative 11; Hall Patrol 11; Football 11.
John Panella's
obituary
From Yearbook
From Fort Worth Star-Telegram
