George Joseph Panza

George Joseph Panza, at the blessed age of 101, went home to his Lord on Thursday, October 12, 2023.  George was born on Friday, March 31, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois to Gabriele and Marie Panza.  He graduated from Marshall High School in Chicago, Illinois in June of 1940. He then attended one year of college, and then he decided to serve his country during WWII and enlisted in the Army Air Force on October 12, 1942 and served until November 25, 1945.  George married Barbara L. LaCashio and together they raised their two sons; Gerard Michael and George Gabriele, he later married Sophia "Sophie" Garcia, and together with Sophie's son and daughter, they welcomed their son Gregory David into their family.

George worked for the Railroad checking cars and the family moved to Kansa briefly and then on to California where he went into the garment industry and eventually opened his own business and sewing factory.  After selling his factory he worked several different jobs; he worked at a Marshall's office serving warrants, and driving a bus for Leisure World. George and Sophie were very active in the parish church, St. Nicholas in Laguna Hills, California.  George was head usher and they also cleaned the communion vessels after Mass on Sundays. Sophie passed away in 2003, George then began sharing his time with his sons in Edna. From 2004 until 2016, he began moving back and forth between Greg and Deanna's home and George and Judy's home.  The family had a 100th birthday celebration for George in 2022.

George is survived by his three sons and their families; Gerard in the Philippines, George and Judy of Edna and Gregory and Deanna also from Edna and their families.  George was also blessed by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.  George is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Sophia Garcia Panza.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 21st, 2023 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, with visitation from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, with Rosary being recited at 12:15 pm followed by Funeral Mass at 1:00 pm, with Father Michael Petering officiating.  Interment will be at a later date and time in Ascension Catholic Cemetery in Laguna Hills, California.

Services have been entrusted to Russell Todish of Slavik Funeral Home, 209 N. Allen Street, Edna, Texas 77957, 361-782-2152.

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