Birth date: Jan 7, 1936 Death date: Feb 3, 2021
John Panagia, 85, died February 3, 2021 in Plant City. John was born in Brooklyn, NY to parents Emanuel and Agnes Panagia on January 7, 1936. He moved to the Lakeland area from New York over 30 years ago. John loved the NY Yankees Read Obituary
John was a wonderful guy. Always joking & laughing. Will miss you. Cousin Camille.
Papa....
I could not have asked for a better Father-in-Law. I was always made to feel a part of this fantastically huge Italian family from day one...In my life I was missing a father figure and you filled that missing piece with warmth, love, and respect. You and Nana welcomed in my older daughters and their children as the family grew and grew...
And then to add the twins when you were 72! Crazy to watch the grandkids and the great grandkids mix and mingle and always feel the love from your watchful eyes.
No matter the size of the group around the table-you enthralled us with your stories-and you made sure we all had plenty to eat and drink and share and be a part of the moment.
I love fishing with Larry and Kasey and Lauren do as well. When we go out, Larry is always talking about the 'fish' stories he had with you-and important lessons such as putting the plug back in the boat. I'm sorry I never got to through in a line next to you...
I miss you and our Movie Trivia; your hints of "you remember who he is; he was the bad guy that killed the good guy in that old movie" or even better ''you know- the guy that was in the thing". Almost always you could give me enough that we finally got to what you watched last night so we could be sure to watch it next.
Kasey and Lauren loved doing skits for you and cracked up if they could stump you with a good riddle. I'm comforted by knowing you were in their lives so much to make a positive impact that will be with them through their lives.
We all felt you Saturday when we took the boat ride up the river and honored you with swigs from your favorite; a bottle of single malt scotch whiskey.
I know you are at peace and out of pain-and for that I am thankful
But still...I really miss having a dad...
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Yesterday we took Dad/Papa on his final voyage at sea. He had his loving family there to keep him company. This was a celebration of a life for a man who was larger than life. We were blessed to have Ayla and Joey provide beautiful readings and Justin a heartfelt eulogy. Justin kept this to under 5 minutes. If you know Justin or have heard him tell a story, you will know this was no easy task. Anyway, we spread Dad’s ashes in the Little Manatee River in Tampa Bay where he taught so many of us how to hook the big one and if it wasn’t that big, we learned the fine art of exaggeration. Afterwards, we visited the house on Blue Heron, and many shared stories of the great times we all enjoyed there.
In my minds eye, I can see Dad/Papa light on his feet and playing horseshoes, bocce ball and maybe even a game of poker in God’s garage with Grandpa, Uncles Dickie, Jackie and others. A beautiful reunion. There is a bottle of scotch on the table, I’m sure of it.
Dad, I will miss our talks about many things but especially the Bombers. You know pitchers and catchers have reported for spring training. I know I speak for Mommy, Larry, Robert and everyone when I say you will be missed and forever in our hearts. Love you Dad!
I am so saddened of the loss of Uncle Johnny. He was such a fun loving man and everyone always loved being around him. He will be deeply missed by all of us ❤️ Love Melissa and Rick
Papa, thank you for a lifetime of wonderful memories. I am forever blessed to have been your Granddaughter.
One of my favorite memories with you is how we always joked that I would feed you oatmeal and take care of you . I loved being your weather girl and taking rides with you in the golf cart ! There was never a moment that you didn’t make me feel loved and beautiful!
Hailey and Elijah have so many precious memories with you as well and Hailey always loved staying with her Nana and Papa , you always made sure whatever snack they could possibly want was readily available and they were always spoiled ❤️
You always made time you sit and talk with the kids and compliment them . They felt like so special when they talked to their Papa.
Thank you for for being with us through each step of this life! From childhood through adulthood you and Nana were firm role models in all of our lives.
Thank you for being the best papa ! We will miss you dearly but we know you are at peace and watching over us !
We love you
Papa,
You were one of the biggest cheerleaders in my life. You always encouraged me in everything I did. You constantly told me how proud you were of me and all of your kids and grandkids. You would hold my hand and say “Nana and I are so lucky”. Little did you know we are the lucky ones. You two always played such an important part in everyone’s life.
I will never forget the days you were side by side with me while I was building my first home. You would watch those contractors like a hawk, making sure everything was done right! You would drive from Lakeland to Plant City daily.
We all joke and call you “The Godfather” but you had such a soft side. I bet not everyone knows you were the best pet sitter, I know you secretly loved my cat “missy”. No one else would have given her ice cubes in her water and let her hear my voice on the phone😃.
Also, I love how you always had something kind to say to the ladies, you always complimented me and Nana! “How beautiful you look today” you would say.
Justin Will never forget how each year you looked forward to him calling to sing Happy Birthday to you in a surprise language😜.
Addison has carried on your love for Babe Ruth and always asks for the number 3 to be on her jerseys when playing sport’s and says it’s her lucky number because Papa loved Babe Ruth!
Ayla was so blessed to have you living with us while she was just a little tot, you saw her crawl, walk, learn to dance and say her first words. You have such a special place in her heart. I remember when you would give her rides on your walker, it was the cutest!
We were all so blessed to have so many memories with you it’s really hard to list them all but know we miss you terribly, we know you are watching over all of us.
And as both girls would say “Papa is with God now in Heaven, no more pain”!
Until we meet again Papa, we will continue to make you proud down here!
I am so sad at the loss of Uncle John. He was such a sweet and caring man. He always knew how to make you smile. My prayers got out to Aunt Laura and the family.
Papa, we had so many memories together. None better than the years we spent fishing in ruskin. You taught me everything there is to know about fishing and i am lucky to pass that knowledge down to my boys. you would be so proud of the the little fisherman Brayden has become. I am lucky enough to say that i had the best childhood. i would spend hours swimming in the pool then walk to the dock and spend hours fishing. By the time i was ready to come in, i was sunburnt and covered in mosquito and ant bites. You also showed me how to play pool and horseshoes. You always thought you had bigger muscles than me, i think the pictures prove otherwise. =)
thank you for all that you always did for all of us kids.
Love you Papa!
We are so sad at the loss of my Uncle John he was a wonderful and funny man and my memories of holidays together will stick with me for a lifetime my condolences to my Aunt Laura and the rest of the family my prayers are always with you
