John H. Panzarella M.D.

PANZARELLA - John H. M.D., 85, a Phoenix, AZ. resident of over 30 years, died peacefully surrounded by his family on August 23, 2008. "Dr. John" was born in Bristol, Rhode Island on March 5, 1923 and was one of nine children born to Angelo and Amalia Panzarella, both Ellis Island immigrants from Italy. The family moved eventually to Ozone Park, Queens, NY where John graduated John Adams H.S. He attended Fordham University, a Jesuit College, in the Bronx, NY and later graduated the University of Maryland Medical School. In Baltimore, he met and fell in love with Dorothy "Tommie" Thomas, a music student from Pennsylvania. They were married in 1949 and raised four children on Long Island. For over 25 years, Dr. John practiced internal medicine in Rosedale, Queens. He was the proverbial "town doctor" making regular house calls. He was devoted to and loved by his patients. John's greatest pleasure was spending time with his brothers Frank, Eddie, Stanley, Arthur, Joe, and his sisters Angela, Elvira and Theresa. John and Tommie moved permanently to Phoenix in 1979. John continued his practice at Cigna Healthcare and then Maricopa County Long Term Care, retiring only recently. Above all, John devoted his life to Tommie, his children and 11 grand- children. He never stopped tutoring, teaching or inspiring. He instilled loyalty, love of family and all things Italian. He loved music, food, reading and traveling. His soul will live on forever in his grandchildren and their children. John is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Tommie, and his four children John (Caty Maxey) Panzarella of Los Angeles and children J. T. and Matthew; Jane (Ilhan) Akbil and their children Valentina and Olivia of Wilton, CT; Kathy (Joseph) Iacuone and their children Joey and Sam of University Park, TX; David (Caroline) Panzarella and their children, Brophy Prep graduates Nicholas and Dylan, Brophy students Jack and Michael-Owen and Logan of Phoenix, AZ., sister Theresa Panzarella of Rosedale, Queens, NY, and brother Joseph Panzarella of Rockville Centre, NY, along with dozens of nieces and nephews. The family thanks Hospice of the Valley and Susan Levine, Dave, Mary Lynn and Beth. Visitation 5:00-9:00pm, Tuesday, August 26, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road with a Scripture Service at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass 10:00am, Wednesday, August 27 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Avenue. Interment at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street. In lieu of flowers, please send Memorials to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, 85014.