David P. Panach

David Paul Panach 74, a lifelong resident of Natrona Heights Pennsylvania.

Born December 29,1949 to the late Paul and Dorothy Panach.

After a 16-year battle with multiple myeloma, Dave entered into Glory to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 17, 2024.

Survived by his loving wife and care giver, Connie (Greene) Panach and daughter Aimee Panach, stepson, Richard Craft (Marcie) and grandsons Elijah and Evan Craft of South Buffalo Township; stepson, Jarad Craft (fiancée Khiara Spry), granddaughter Gabriella Lynn Craft of Jacksonville, Florida, brothers Keith Panach of Natrona Heights, Kevin Panach of Lower Burrell, sister Janet (Terry) Jones of Boston, Massachusetts and numerous nieces and nephews.

A special appreciation for Dave’s godmother, Aunt Rita Capoccioni age 93 and his longtime friend Bob Schleiden.

Dave was a 1968 graduate of Har-Brack High School where he was a three-year member of the High School Golf Team.

Dave attended Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Art Education 1973 and a Master’s Degree 1977 with an emphasis on jewelry creation. Edinboro University Art Department selected one of his jewelry creations for the University’s Permanent Collection.

Dave had a distinguished 36½-year career with the Freeport School District as an Art teacher. He worked 26½-years at the junior high school and 10 years at the high school. Dave’s students had their art displayed annually at the Allegheny Valley Hospital and various district art exhibits. While employed in the Freeport School District, he was instrumental in developing the district’s High School Golf program. In his 20-year tenure as the Golf Coach, the team achieved nine section titles with no losing seasons. In addition, Dave served for 20 years as the Assistant Coach for the Girl’s Basketball team. Dave’s success as a coach earned him an induction into the Armstrong County Hall of Fame. A highlight for Dave was an opportunity to work at the 1994 United States Open.

Dave served with honor in the United States Army Reserves with the 307th Military Police. He was called into active duty during Desert Storm in the European Theater, where he served for 6½ months. He received the Army’s Achievement and Commendation Medals:

The Secretary of the Army has reposed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and professional excellence of D.P. Panach.

Sergeant First Class Panach demonstrated leadership potential and dedicated service to the United States Army Reserves.

Upon his return from his deployment in Desert Storm Dave was honored to be selected to represent the troops on the Salvation Army’s parade float.

At Edinboro University, Dave was an active member of the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity where he enjoyed the lasting friendship with his fraternity brothers, with a special relationship with brothers Ernie Armor, Larry Caffro, Ken Ebel, Don Schrall, Vic Pilipovich, Bob Erickson and Chick Flora. Each October, “Nucks”, as he was affectionately named by his fraternity brothers, would enjoy going to the Alpha Phi Omega reunion to renew friendships and share stories from the ‘Boro’.

Dave was an avid outdoorsman. Hunting and fishing were two passionate pastimes. He had many successful hunting stories to share. From early spring to late fall you would find Dave tending to his productive garden. He had great success growing a variety of vegetables that he and Connie would preserve and share with others. Many winter months were enjoyed with his wife Connie in their ‘get-away’ home in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Dave dedicated many hours using his handyman skills to support his church, Christ Community Fellowship in Sarver, Pennsylvania.

The years of cancer treatments were often a challenge, but Dave’s faith and his caregivers prolonged his positive attitude. Dave found a great deal of peace in those difficult days because he had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, where he found forgiveness and certainty of his eternal home. John 3:16,17

The Panach family wishes to express a very special thank you to the medical staff at UPMC, Good Samaritan Hospice, and Suncoast Hospice of Florida.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to:

Christ Community Fellowship to support the mission of the church and can be made by texting "DAVE" to (833) 337-8794 or by sending a check to Christ Community Fellowship, 160 Singleton Road, Sarver, Pa.  16055, with "Dave Panach Memoria Fund" in the memo.

OR

UPMC Cancer Research

Checks:

Please make checks payable to ‘University of Pittsburgh’.

In the memo section write Memorial Panach/Blood Cancer research.

Mail to the attention of:

Colleen Straub

UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B

5150 Centre Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15232.

Online:

https://hillman.upmc.com/difference/supporting/make-a-gift

-- Select ‘Give to Cancer Research’.

-- Under the Designation section, please click on the purple box that states “

‘Choose Area(s) to Support’

-- In the drop-down menu, please select Multiple Myeloma Research Fund

-- Complete the section that the gift is in memory of Dave Panach

Friends will be received on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 from 2-4, 6-8 p.m. in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights 724-224-8688.  Additional visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.Wednesday, March 20, 2024 in the Christ Community Fellowship, 160 Singleton Rd., Sarver.  Officiating will be the Rev. Nathaniel Huebert and Rev. Jeff Youell.  Burial will be Thursday, March 21, 2024  at 1:30 p.m. in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township.  To send an online condolence please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.