Joseph Panzera, Jr.
January 07, 1925 - February 10, 2020
Charleston, WV
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Joseph Panzera, Jr.
January 07, 1925 - February 10, 2020
Charleston, WV
Obituary
Joseph Panzera, Jr., 95 of Charleston, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2020.
Joe was born in Red Jacket, Mingo County the son of the late Giuseppe and Anna Genoese Panzera, who originated from Motta San Giovanni, Italy.
He was raised in McDowell County, moved to Belfry where he graduated high school, went to work in Hagerstown, MD on a deferment for Fairchild Aircraft, then to Akron at Firestone Tire and Keebbe Co.
Joe then joined the US Army Air Corp., serving as an upper turret gunner on the B-17 Flying Fortress until he was discharged in 1945.
Upon his service completion, he made his way to Wheeling, where he graduated from Wheeling Barber College.
Joe started his professional career as a barber in 1948, working at the Daniel Boone Hotel, Charleston before buying the Drive-In Barber Shop, Kanawha City in 1956, where he worked, owned and operated that business for 50 years.
He loved the Big Band Era music, playing the violin and golf.
Joe was a family man at heart. The people who know him, knew he would do anything he could for them. He was loved by many people.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Lena Romeo Panzera of 52 years; son, Joseph Panzera, III; grandson, Joseph Panzera, IV; and brothers, Mel and Pete Panzera.
He is survived by his 2 children, daughter, Mary Ann Panzera Walsh (David W.) of Huntington and son, Philip Panzera of Charleston; 3 grandchildren, Amy Thomas (Randy) of Spencer, David Joseph Walsh (Julie) of South Point, OH and Lennie Panzera of Charleston; 4 great-grandchildren, Italia Panzera Bell, daughter of Lennie Panzera, Jackson Thomas, son of Amy and Randy Thomas, Zane and Zoey Walsh, son and daughter of D.J. Walsh.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, February 15th at Saint Agnes Catholic Church, Kanawha City with Rev. Father Jose Manuel Escalante officiating. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, South Charleston. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm Friday, February 14th at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made in memory of Joe to: Kanawha Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Blvd W Charleston, WV 25387-2536.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com .
Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Visitation
- Date & Time: February 14, 2020 (6:00 PM)
- Venue: Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home
- Location: 1118 Virginia Ave. East Charleston, WV 25301 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (304) -34-2-8135
Funeral Mass
- Date & Time: February 15, 2020 (11:00 AM)
- Venue: St. Agnes Catholic Church
- Location: 4807 Staunton Avenue SE Charleston, WV 25304 - (Get Directions)
Calling Hours
- Date & Time: May 4, 2024 (11:00 AM)
- Venue: St. Agnes Catholic Church
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7 responses to Joseph Panzera, Jr.
Liz Spalding says:
February 20, 2020
Dear Mary Ann & Phil–Vince Manzi let me know about your dad’s passing. I live in Lexington, KY but was unable to attend his funeral because of travel. I remember your dad fondly, and I know my dad, my brother, and his son (all deceased) were Drive In Barbershop regulars. I’m sure the Spalding men will be happy to finally have a competent barber in heaven! Your dad was a Kanawha City institution! He was the last of my “gang’s” parents to leave us. Please accept my condolences. I have made a donation to Kanawha Hospice Care in his memory. All the best to you and yours, Liz Spalding
Pat Maxson says:
February 16, 2020
I like many others loved Joe. So sorry to be unable to have attended services for him. We always talked about the old country as I am also Italian and our family from same area in Italy.
My husband also loved talking to Joe.He will truly be missed in Charleston area. Pat and Ward Maxson
Martha Spalding says:
February 15, 2020
Our sincerest condolences to all the Panzeras, our dear neighbors from Kanawha City & St. Agnes.
The Spaldings: Mary Elizabeth (Liz), Martha Jane (Bucky), & Frances.
4318 Staunton
Joe & Sandy Zando says:
February 15, 2020
Dear Mary Ann & Phil:
It is with a sorrowful heart that I send these condolences. Joe was an incredible man, father and barber. I received my very first haircut, and many more to follow at the gentle hands of your father.
I will always have fond memories of conversations with Joe as he cut my hair. We currently live in South Carolina and I do wish I was there to remember a one of a kind man that will always bring joy to my heart when I think of him. We were all blessed to have the parents that we had. Love you guys and just know you are in our prayers.
Joe & Sandy Zando
Foster Nickerson says:
February 14, 2020
I was so sorry to learn that Joe Panzara had passed away. He was in my life from the beginning. He was my Mother’s childhood friend. He was my Father’s friend and our barber. He gave me my first haircut and every haircut until I left home for the Army. But it wasn’t just the barber shop. My parents were Godparents to Joe, his oldest son. There were visits, and weddings and gossip from home to be exchanged. When my Dad fell ill and couldn’t leave the house, Joe came to visit and talk — and gave Dad a haircut, even though Joe had been retired for many years. When my Mom fell ill, Joe visited her frequently. She always brightened up when he visited. And, he was there for me when she passed. He was a good man — and a good friend — and he will be greatly missed.
I’m sorry I can’t be there with you to say goodbye to him. But, know that Joe, and all of you, are in my heart and mind tonight.