Samuel John Panico, 84

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