Obituaries

Joseph C. Panza Sr., 90; World War II Veteran, Retired Truck Driver

The wake and funeral will be held on Friday, Feb. 28.


Joseph Carmine Panza Sr. passed away on February 24, 2014. He was 90.

He was born Sept. 10, 1923 in Greenwich, a son of the late Michael and Rose (Santoro) Panza.

He attended Greenwich schools. Mr. Panza was a decorated World War II veteran having fought in North Africia, Sicily, Anzio, Rome and the Battle of the Bulge. He served in the 5th Armored Division under Gen. George Patton.

On Nov. 1, 1947 he married Vincenza Nardi at St. Roch’s Church in Greenwich.

Mr. Panza was a truck driver in Teamsters Local 191 and a shop steward. He worked for Riccardi Bros. in Greenwich for many years. He was a lifetime member of The Knights of Columbus where he was a 4th Degree Knight. He was an avid New York Yankees fan and a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Mr. Panza is survived by his children Rosanne (Ralph E.) Longo, Michael J. (Sandra), and Joseph Jr. (Sandra); his grandchildren Tina Chopskie, Jason Longo, Melissa Longo, Michael Panza, Paul Panza, Jarrod Panza, Jessica Panza and Steven Panza; great-grandchildren Tyler and Brenna Chopskie, Abigail Longo, Ainsley, Aiden and Dino Panza, and a sister Susan Fisher.

He was predeceased by his wife Vincenza, his grandson Ralph E. Longo Jr., a brother Anthony, and sisters Mary Bria, Lillian Hames and Carmela Slink. 

Calling hours will be from 10 a.m. to noon, Friday, Feb. 28, at Castiglione Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Ave., Greenwich. A service will be at the funeral home at noon.

Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Greenwich. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project. 


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