Obituary

Joseph Panitch, 88, died Friday, January 30, 2015 at Hartford Hospital following a brief illness. He leaves his wife of 62 years, Myra (Wiskind) Panitch; his sister, Anita Erman, his son, Barry Panitch and his wife, Margaret; his daughters, Carol Lipson (Gary) and Nancy Flaggman (Allan); his 3 grandchildren, Mike, Jackie and April, and many close friends and family. Born and raised in Newark, NJ, the son of Bernard and Jenny (Efros) Panitch, he lived the last 47 years of his life in West Hartford, CT. Joe was a member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity at Rutgers University, graduating in 1948. He served in the army, studying Japanese at the University of Minnesota, and then deploying to Japan to teach Algebra to GIs. While in Japan he played alto horn in the army band, a part of his life-long love of music. He worked as a toy buyer for several companies in New York and Connecticut, retiring from Coleco Industries in Hartford. After retiring, he found a 2nd career as book store manager at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, where he worked for 17 years until 2013. Music was always a part of Joe’s life. He sang in choirs all over the world, beginning with the NJ Masterwork Chorus, and including the Hartford Chorale, the Farmington Valley Chorale, the Connecticut Concert Opera, and the Congregation Beth Israel Choir, where he was an active member. Joe & Myra travelled extensively, to Europe, China, Mexico, Russia, South America, Israel, and all over the United States and Canada. Joe was always known for having a sharp wit and an extremely friendly manner. He was a life-long New York Mets fan, and loved watching games with his son. He will be remembered as a guy who was kindly, fun-loving and witty, and who always had a positive attitude towards life. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 3, 2015 at 1:00 pm, in the Silberman Chapel at Congregation Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford CT. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Joe, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm

Guest Book For

Joseph Panitch

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From: Lori & Michael Thomas

From Kingston, PA

Posted On: February 3, 2015

We are so sorry for your loss. We send our deepest condolences and prayers during this time.

From: David Carlow

From Denver, Colorado [CO]

Posted On: February 3, 2015

Barry

So very sorry to hear about your father. I always enjoyed seeing your father and mother over the years. He was always an upbeat regular guy not to many of those around these days. I am sure you have great memories. He had a good long life.

David and Susan Carlow

From: Hennie and Hans stargardter

From Bloomfield, Ct

Posted On: February 3, 2015

Even far away today we are thinking of you, Myra, and hold joe close to our hearts. Hennie and habs

From: Mary Ann Haar

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: February 3, 2015

Joe and Myra are both rememberd fondly as active members of the Hartford Chorale for so many years. I remember traveling with them and others to Europe and singing beautiful music in beautiful venues in Itlay and in Austria. Joe was always willing to lend support to the Hartford Chorale Board of Goveners, and as one of the founding members of the Chorale, Joe and Myra developed and maintained an archive of concert programming and reviews of every performance and tour. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

From: Jean Palley

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: February 3, 2015

Dear Myra,
Please accept my sincere condolences on Joe's passing.
I knew you both from ALP, and often admired your devotion
to each other, as well as to the organization.

My best wishes to you and your family as you grieve for
your loss.

Jean Palley

From: Mark Gaier

From Southbury, CONNECTICUT

Posted On: February 3, 2015

I am so sorry to hear the very sad news of the passing of Mr. P. My sincere condolences to the extended Panitch family.
He was a very affable and fun loving man who I will always remember fondly. Rest in peace.

From: Eric Schulman

From Avon, CT

Posted On: February 2, 2015

Joe was like a second father to me. He was a wonderful, wonderful man - always cheerful, happy, and warm. My heartfelt condolences to Myra and his family. Love you Joe.

From: WILLIAM AND MURIEL ZELDIS

From WEST HARTFORD, CT

Posted On: February 2, 2015

WE WANT TO EXTEND OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
WILL MISS PLAYING BRIDGE WITH HIM

From: Michael Cascia

From Enfield, CT

Posted On: February 2, 2015

Joe was a marvelous person and such a great friend. A few years ago when I was invited to be on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Concert Opera, Joe took me under his wing, so to speak. He helped me understand the many facets of working behind the scenes to produce opera, a passion we both shared.Joe was so supportive. I will miss him very much.

From: J John

From Simsbury, CT

Posted On: February 1, 2015

I remember Joe primarily
for
his droll sense of humor, gracious spirit and friendliness. He will be missed.

From: Bob Gordon

From bloomfield, ct

Posted On: February 2, 2015

I recall Barry speaking fondly of your father many times.So sorry for your loss.Bob

From: Dan O’Dea

From East Hartford, CT

Posted On: February 2, 2015

Joe was a great guy, I always looked forward to seeing him at the bookstore in Dinosaur State Park. I am saddened to hear of his passing; I'll miss him.

From: Larry Butts

From Woodstock, Ct.

Posted On: February 2, 2015

As a staff Member at Dinosaur State Park I saw Joe on a regular basis for many years. He had a great sense of humor and many great stories about his interesting life. His participation in theater, music groups,and elderhostel courses was always an example to me as to how one can live a full life. My deepest condolences to Myra and family.

From: Leesa Sonnichsen

From madison, Connecticut

Posted On: February 2, 2015

I want to express my condolences. I enjyed working with Joe at the Dinosaur Park for many years. I'm sure you have many wonderful memories to comfort you during this difficult time.

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