Joseph J. Panak 1916-2008
NEWTON FALLS — Joseph J. Panak, 650 Ravenna Road, Newton Falls, passed at 9:50 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2008, at Forum Health Trumbull Memorial Hospital.
In Madera, Pa., July 27, 1916, Steve and Mary M. Kitko Panak welcomed the birth of their son, Joseph, the first of their 14 children.
The family relocated to Kinsman, where his education was obtained in the Kinsman school district. Joseph was the valedictorian of the Kinsman High School graduating class of 1934.
His early work ethics began in his youth, when he assisted the family with the duties that daily farming required. He was employed by Rockwell International and later by Republic Steel, where he retired as a millwright. Joseph also owned and operated Joe Panak TV in Newton Falls.
After his return from his service with the U.S. Merchant Marines, Joseph was introduced by his sister to her co-worker, Josephine. Then on July 14, 1945, Josephine D. Runkel and Joseph J. Panak were united in marriage at St. Mary Catholic Church in Warren.
Joseph was a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Newton Falls. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3350, where he served as Grand Knight in 1953 and in 1961. He also achieved the position of 4th Degree Knight in the Bishop James A. McFadden Assembly 819 on April 1, 1952, where he was a life member.
His early interest in baseball continued throughout his life. He enjoyed the Cleveland Indian games either on the radio or on the television. Until the age of 89, Joseph remained an active participant in the sport of bowling.
Memories of Joseph will be treasured by his loving and caring family, his daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and John Weaver of Thornville; his granddaughter, Stephanie Shushan; his sisters, Anne Kozak, Agnes Slywczak, Irene (John) Sawayda, Joan (Michael) Sawayda, Helen (Kenneth) Flannery, Nancy (Von) Kwallek, Rosalee Weischedel and Patricia (Ron) Horning; and his brothers, Frank Panak, Philip Panak and Wendell Panak.
Preceding Joseph were his wife, Josephine, Nov. 6, 2005; his daughter, Carolyn Panak Shushan; and his brothers, Mathew Panak and Albert Panak.
A commemorative service by Knights of Columbus Council 3350 will be held 4:30 p.m. today at Borowski Memorial Home in Newton Falls, where the family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Newton Falls, with the Rev. Matthew Mankowski as celebrant and the Rev. Joseph Piskura as con-celebrant.
Joseph will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery, Paris Township.
(special notice)
