Robert A. Panora

Milton Robert A. Panora, the former registrar of Motor Vehicles for Massachusetts and World War II veteran, died after a short illness on July 7 at Milton Hospital. He was 84 years old. Mr. Panora was born and raised in Weymouth. He graduated from Weymouth High School in 1941. After high school, he worked for the Quincy Shipyard as an electricians apprentice. In 1943, Mr. Panora enlisted in the Navy where he was selected for their flight training program in Pensacola, FL. After graduation from flight school, he served in various locations of the Pacific theater as a Naval Aviator, primarily on long-range patrol duty, piloting PBYs, amphibious bomber aircraft. He was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of Ensign. In 1948, Mr. Panora joined the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles as an Examiner. Thereafter he quickly moved up the ranks at the Registry, serving a variety positions including, Investigator, Chief Deputy, Assistant Supervisor of Safety, Supervisor of Hearings Officers, Acting Chief, Assistant to the Registrar, and Director of Field Operations. Mr. Panora was promoted through competitive examination a total of 26 times in 24 years. He was also the only RMV employee promoted through the ranks to the agencys chief executive position, Registrar, which he attained in 1975 by appointment of Governor Dukakis. During his 54-year career with the Registry, Mr. Panora pioneered many innovations. In 1967, Mr. Panora wrote and designed the Registrys first modern drivers manual. As Registrar, he established the now familiar Organ Donor Program called Renew a License, Renew a Life, a highly innovative program allowing new license and renewal applicants to volunteer to be part of the states organ donor database, a program that has saved the lives of numerous individuals. Mr. Panora was married to Marion J. (Bryson), originally of Newton, for 60 years. In addition to his wife, Mr. Panora is the father of two sons, Robert A. of Cambridge, John M. of South Windsor, CT.and seven daughters, Marilyn A. Carey of Shaftsbury, VT., Charlene F. Aikman of Philadelphia, Catherine J. Delgado (deceased), Judith P. Crossen and Dr. Margaret E. Connelly, both of Medfield, Elizabeth M. of Mashpee, and Lauren P. Houghton of New York City; 13 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday morning at 10 at St. Elizabeths Church in Milton. Visiting hours at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home, 326 Granite Ave., MILTON, Wednesday 7 to 9 PM and Thursday 4 to 8 PM. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Francis House, P.O. Box 499, Essex Station, Boston 02112.