James A. “Jim” Panico, 82, formerly of North Haven, Wallingford, and Cheshire, CT, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 28, 2016 at Masonicare, Wallingford, CT, after a brief illness, with his family at his side. He was the beloved husband of Shirley Lupoli Panico for 57 years. James was born in New Haven on May 5, 1933; son of the late Angelo and Rachel Fraulo Panico, and grew up in the Wooster Square neighborhood of New Haven. Jim graduated from New Haven State Teachers College with a Bachelor’s degree in education, and from Fairfield University, with Master’s and Sixth Year degrees in Education. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 in Germany. Jim was an elementary and junior high school teacher in the North Haven, CT school system for 37 years, where he also served as a reading specialist. He was an active member of his teacher’s union for which he served as treasurer. He also worked at the New Haven Lawn Club for more than 20 years. Jim enjoyed gardening, loved to swim and was a member of the Wallingford YMCA for over 45 years, and jogged long before it became a popular pastime. He was known for his social conscience and for advocating for the disadvantaged. He was father of Catherine A. Panico of Wallingford, Gregory S. Panico of Furlong, PA, and Christopher J. Panico (Bota) of Wallingford. Beloved grandfather of Camilla and James Panico. Brother of Anna Dadio and the late Joseph Panico (Rosemary). The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff of the Masonicare for the excellent comfort and care they provided to Jim.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Thursday morning at 9:15 am. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Wallingford, at 10:00 am. Entombment will follow in the All Saints Mausoleum. The visiting hours will be Wednesday from 5pm to 8 pm.
Our deepest condolences.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the memories of your father help during this time of sorrow. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you during this difficult time.
Love,
Melinda and Chris
My condolences to the family. I remember Mr. Panico as a kid at Temple St. School. Very nice guy. Reacquainted years later at Holy Trinity.
Dear Greg – our deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. He lived such an amazing life and it's clear he made an incredible impact on his community and country through his teaching, distinguished military service and volunteerism. May you and your family take comfort in his memory and in one another during this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences for the loss of your dad. He was such a lovely person for the short time we knew him. Such a kind soul, loving and caring husband to your mom. He was very proud to show your pictures to us before we met you. He adored the grandchildren and looked forward to your visits.
My sincere condolences on the loss of your Father. May there be some comfort in you knowing that his family is just one fantastic legacy of his life. My sympathy and prayers are with you during this difficult and sorrowful time.
Our deepest condolences to the Panico family. Jim was a wonderful , caring and intelligent individual. The children of North Haven benefited from his outstanding talents as a teacher. He was able to reach and teach so many young people as they worked their way through early school years.
The Temple Street school faculty enjoyed his calm demeanor and friendliness.
He will be missed why so many. Rest in Peace Jim.
Please accept our condolences on the loss of Jim. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time …
I am so sad for your loss. He was one of my teachers back in the 1960's and was a very nice man. I have fond memories of those times.