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: April 25, 2024 (11:00 AM)
- Venue: St. Agnes Catholic Church
No Charities & Donations
7 responses to Joseph Panzera, Jr.
DORSEY SPEARS says:
February 14, 2020
Phil, my condolences to you and your family for your loss. Our fathers worked together cutting hair at the Daniel Boone those many years ago. I remember Mr. Panzera as a fine gentleman. It was always a pleasure getting my haircut with you guys.
I have a picture to share with you if you would like to reach me at my e-mail below.
Stan Cavendish says:
February 13, 2020
Mr. Panzera was a gentleman and a great conversationalist. Like countless men in Charleston, I enjoyed sitting in his chair, just to hear him talk. He was a good barber too, and gave a scalp massage that nearly put me to sleep. We talked about golf, and he truly enjoyed the game. I think he was a gentle man and a gentleman. May he rest in peace.