Albert A. Panza
May 4, 1928 ~ August 22, 2021
Albert A. Panza, a retired educator passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 22, 2021, at the Wyngate Senior Living Community. He was 93.
Albert was born in Toronto, OH on May 4, 1928, one of four children born to Dominic and Margherita Calabrese Panza.
A United States veteran of the Korean War, with a master’s degree from West Virginia University, Albert taught math at Weir Middle School for Hancock County Schools.
Albert loved to cook, and would often share his homemade meals with his family, friends, and neighbors. He enjoyed getting together with his colleagues with the retired teacher’s association and was very involved with his church, The Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in New Cumberland, WV.
In addition to his parents, Albert was preceded in death by his sister, Concetta Oddi.
He will be remembered with love by his brother, John Panza; his sister, Anita Wargo; his nieces and nephews, Marguerite (Brian) Tornifolio, Karen Panza, Filomena DiStefano, Chamie (Bryan) Riley, John Panza, Tim (Jennifer) Wargo, Mark (Sean) Wargo; and eleven great-nieces and nephews, including Tina DiStefano, who took great care of Albert.
Visitation will be Monday, August 30, 2021, from 8:30 AM until 9:30 AM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street Weirton, WV.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Monday at the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, New Cumberland, WV.
Albert will be laid to rest at Saint Paul’s Cemetery mausoleum with military honors conducted by the American Legion Post 10 Honor Guard and the West Virginia Army National Guard.
Albert’s family would like to thank the staff of Wyngate Senior Living and Valley Hospice for all their care they provided to Albert this last year.
Memorial contributions in Albert’s memory may be made to The Immaculate Conception Church 1016 Ridge Avenue, New Cumberland, WV 26047
Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com 304 748 3219
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Greco Hertnick Funeral Home
So very sorry for your loss. He was such a sweet man. He loved to tell stories about his family and cooking. Sending prayers to his family and friends.❤🙏🏽
A wonderful teacher. One that still remembered his students years after we were in his class. My brother had Mr. Panza at Broadview School and I in Jr. High. Up until 2018 he would come to pay his taxes and would talk about his years of teaching. RIP Mr. Panza!!
Albert was as close a friend to the Mayfield family as we ever had, a next-door neighbor to some or all of us for most of the past 60 years, and was routinely the one friend invited to and expected for our family events. He was generous with his time and wide knowledge, whether it be of politics, economics or Italian cooking. He taught my first wife, Martine, an Italian of good standing, the art of making gnocchi on his kitchen table, and she treasured that memory until her death. He did many a favor for all of us, and it was comforting for me to know in all of the years that I have been away from home, that he was in the neighborhood and could be counted on when needed by my aging parents. I’m truly sorry to hear of his passing, and will never think of his little house on 20th Street as anyone’s but his.
A true teacher and educator leaves a lasting imprint on our lives. Mr. Panza was the epitomy of education, knowledge and imparting life’s wisdom. Stan Tuchalski – Kissimmee, Florida
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time, May you come to know that the love of God is with you always, May your memories of Albert A. Panza, give you peace, comfort and strength… Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete. I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to the family of …. US Veteran, Albert A. Panza, is “A True American Hero” God Bless† † Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
Growing up on 20th Street, I lived next door to Mr. Panza for years. He and my parents were close friends my entire life. I don’t remember a time when he wasn’t there. Whether it was a family celebration or tragedy, Albert would supply laughter, advice, consolation or just good Italian food. After I married and started a family of my own, he remained a close friend. He came to know and love my children. If he knew were going to be visiting, he made sure to bring his homemade wedding soup because he knew my kids loved it. It must have taken him hours to prepare, but he did it because it made them happy. They called him “Uncle Albert”, and were nearly grown before they realized we weren’t actually related. My entire family loved and respected Albert. He will be deeply missed.
So very sorry to hear of his death. Many prayers for all of you. Ed& Jeanne Wohnhas
We were blessed to have lunch with Albert during our visit to Weirton 3 years ago. He was a friend, neighbor and practically a member of our family. I remember all the meals we shared and the stimulating discussions we had over the years. Before my mom passed away, I knew that she always had someone next door who would look in on her and help if she needed it. We are so sorry for your loss. Albert will always be in our memories, thoughts and prayers. Long time friends, Camillo and Patsy Barone
Uncle John, Aunt Anita and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
My brother and I both had Mr. Panza for a teacher. He helped me enjoy math! Everytime I saw him over the years he always asked about my brother and my parents. May his memory be eternal. Gloria Pete Suchko