Obituary of Paul Panson

Paul Panson (nee: Pancio) was sleeping peacefully at Elant at Goshen on July 8, 2015, when his beloved wife called him to join her with an offer he could not refuse: eternal peace and a martini. Paul was born in Betula, PA in 1922 to Theodore Pancio and Pelagia Shwahla Pancio as one of ten children. He is predeceased by his six sisters and three brothers. Over the course of his 92 years, Paul lived a life with integrity, compassion and humor that served as an inspiration to those who knew him. Paul married his soulmate, Anne Panson (Myslichuk) in 1947. Together, they raised four children on Lake Oniad, where Paul would welcome new neighbors to the small community with a warm smile, a joke and usually something to drink. They were gracious hosts to many friends and family over the years with gatherings small and large. Paul was devoted to Anne, referring to her as his "bride" throughout their 67 year marriage up until Anne passed away last year. Paul was a first generation American who served his country in the navy during WWII. Upon his honorable discharge, he was the first in his family to go to college and earned a bachelor's degree in Management Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1950 with the GI Bill. He completed his master's degree in Engineering from Syracuse University in 1967 while working for IBM. Paul was employed by IBM for 29 years starting as a Professional Engineer and moving up into management during his career. Continuing to be inspired by him are his children and grandchildren, daughter Deborah & Ted Schwartz, her children Kelsey Steele and Kevin Steele, daughter Christine Panson, son Richard Panson and his son Richard & Sara Jane Panson, daughter Linda & Jeff King, numerous nieces, nephews and anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. His spirit lives on in fond memories of his generosity, humor, ingenuity and loving devotion to family, friends and country. To honor his memory and celebrate his life, family will receive friends on Saturday, July 18, 2015 from 1 to 2 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A funeral service will follow at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday at Zion Episcopal Church, 12 Satterlee Place in Wappingers Falls. Inurnment will follow in the columbarium at Zion Episcopal Church. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of Elant at Goshen for all the kindness and compassion shown to Paul and Anne. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Paul's name may be made to Zion Episcopal Church, 12 Satterlee Place, Wappinger Falls, NY 12590. For directions or to send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.