Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
JEROLD PANAS Obituary
Jerold Panas, internationally recognized leader and best-selling author in the field of philanthropic development, who influenced a generation of fundraisers, died July 14 at his home in Ridgefield, Connecticut. He was 89. As founding partner of Jerold Panas, Linzy & Partners, Mr. Panas oversaw the firm's 50 years of service to more than 3,900 clients, helping them raise over $11 billion dollars in the arts and cultural fields and for educational institutions, hospitals and medical centers, faith-based institutions, and community and social service organizations. He was also co-founder and chairman of the board of the Institute for Charitable Giving. Mr. Panas was known for seemingly boundless energy and an inexhaustible supply of good humor. His wise counsel and coaching has touched thousands of individuals and impacted charitable organizations all over the globe. But beyond the advice was Jerry's warm, caring and encouraging manner. Mr. Panas is survived by his wife, Felicity, and children Deborah Borkon, Rebecca Kiel, Judith Torreano, Hillary Pember, and Joshua Panas; 10 grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. A memorial service is being planned this fall in New York City.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JEROLD PANAS
Sponsored by YZ PROYECTOS DE DESARROLLO A.C. MEXICO. Rosa Morales con profundo afecto para Jerry y Felicity Panas.
Randy Petty
November 11, 2018
I first met Jerry as a client in 1985 and had the pleasure of learning from and working with him and his colleagues a number of times within my 30 year career in hospital and academic medicine development. My professional library includes several of his outstanding books - some personally signed; all well worn around around the edges and heavily marked with notes and yellow hi-liter. He was a mentor and a master of the art and science of development; a true gentleman and a friend. He will be missed.
manuel orozco vidl
October 12, 2018
él, yo : lo que dejo, espero sea para mejorar lo que tienes. Estamos obligados. En serio. Gracias, Gran Maestro.
Fondo Guadalupe Musalem
October 11, 2018
Tuvimos la fortuna de conocer el trabajo de J. Panas y que él estuviera en Oaxaca, México, orientando el quehacer de muchas organizaciones. Le estamos muy agradecidas por su enseñanzas y por su generosidad al compartir con tantas y tantas personas sus conocimientos.
Mary Moos
August 23, 2018
Jerry was a brilliant and elegant man. I am honored to have worked with him. He generously shared his wisdom and experience with me.
My prayers of comfort go out to Facility and Jerry Linzy.
Janene Blanchfield Brown
August 18, 2018
An inspirational professional with great wisdom and wit, remembered with admiration
Jack Williams
August 5, 2018
Jerry helped our development program at the University of Tennessee as a consultant over the course of campaigns for our Library and the college of Engineering. I also brought him in for system-wide staff meetings to lead discussions concerning major gift fundraising. He had boundless energy and enthusiasm. He was always available when I reached out to him and remained a trusted friend after my retirement. I was blessed to have known him.
Arturo Calderón
August 1, 2018
Irradió luz, derramó bondad, ahora es un ser de luz y su bondad continúa en cada cual que tuvimos la dicha de aprender de el, no hay duda, descansa en paz.
Lupita Santos
August 1, 2018
Querido Jerold, fue un gran honor recorrer mi Mexico querido a tu lado, poder aprender de ti no solo en tus conferencias sino en tu vida cotidiana tantas y tantas enseñanzas...
Jamás olvidaré ese último abrazo que pude darte, con mucho cariño y agradecimiento por todo lo que hiciste por las Organizaciones Civiles en Mexico.
Hay dos lecciones que jamás olvidaré:
Toca, cambia y salva vidas
Carpe Diem
Cada vez que pida un donativo, tus palabras y enseñanzas será pensando en siempre en ti!!
Mi querido Poeta de la Filantropia
Adiós Jerry!
Carolyn Baker
August 1, 2018
Jerry was a mentor to my husband Clark Baker and he wrote the forward to my book on leadership WORK, PLAY, PRAY HARD. Each time I had the opportunity to hear him speak, I was inspired. His goodness and kind heart will long be remembered.
Vickie
August 1, 2018
Jerry had an uncanny ability to remember every person he met and make them feel like his best friend. He will be missed immensely.
In Carolino Room at Puebla University.
Ricardo Jiménez
August 1, 2018
I REMEMBER WHEN JERRY WAS IN PUEBLA, MEXICO. I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO LISTEN TO YOU AND GIVE YOU MY CARD, WHICH ON THE REVERSE HAD; DREAM, BELIEVE, DARE AND DO IT. ONE YEAR LATER AT OXFORD UNIVERSITY, HE SHARED THEM TO ALL ITS STUDENTS LIKE A MAXIMUM TO LIVE.
YOUR LEGACY WILL ALWAYS BE LIVE.
Jerry and Felicity enjoying time together in Mexico. Jerry loved Mexican food, specially beans, tamales and salsas
Rosa Morales
August 1, 2018
Mexico always received Jerry Panas with open hearts.
Once in Veracruz he was called: "Jerry the Hurricane" not only because the force of his words but his keynote speech was transmitted in the national alert broadcasting only used for emergencies and nature disasters events.
That was when he started the NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO STRENGTHEN FUNDRAISING AND INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN MEXICO.
His books in Spanish are the guide for many institutions and professionals in the field.
Thanks Jerry for your legacy and your love to Mexico!
Theresa Edder
August 1, 2018
A true gentleman and mentor to many. It was a privilege to have known him.
Marisa Fink
July 31, 2018
Jerry was legend in YMCA fundraising. Grateful to have known him.
Diana Hoyt
July 24, 2018
Jerry was a true statesman of philanthropy. Those of us who met him and learned from him were blessed.
Mary Lackie
July 20, 2018
Heaven has gained a wonderful soul. RIP Jerry. You inspired so many of us in such noble work. Thank you.
Linda Haley
July 19, 2018
I learned fundraising from Jerry Panas. Through meeting him and spending a little precious time under his tutelage, hearing him speak at countless seminars, and reading nearly every word he's written, Panas's heartwarming stories and his understanding of the true meaning of philanthropy have shaped my career and my own views on philanthropy - the love of people. You will be sorely missed, Jerry...
Edward Kraus
July 18, 2018
I have know Jerry for twelve years. He gave me a chance to begin a career with his firm. Over those twelve years he was a mentor to me and just as importantly a true friend and supporter. I will miss him greatly.
Felicity, our hearts and prayers are with you and the family.
Jerry F. Smith
July 17, 2018
No one could tell a story the way Jerry could. He was truly the guru of the fundraising community and when you think about successful fundraisers, he's always "the guy"! Jerry will truly be missed.
Jordan Lehmann
July 17, 2018
Jerry was an inspiration to many of us who didn't fall into the profession of fundraising, but were inspired that we can make a difference through fundraising. His insight into human nature and his love for humanity were incredible. His mentorship and passion for this work will be greatly missed.
Jordan Lehmann - Fundraiser
Kit Twenter
July 17, 2018
Jerry will be sorely missed. We will never know how many lives were positively influenced by his philanthropic writing, coaching, and thoughtfulness.
Mimi Evans
July 16, 2018
Jerry Panas was the best of the best. He shaped the modern world of fundraising and elevated the profession to the respected level and popularity of today. I took his seminars, devoured his books, and even worked for him as a consultant on one of his many projects. He inspired so many, both philanthropists and professional fundraisers. My deepest condolences to his loving family.
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in JEROLD PANAS's name
Memorial Events
for JEROLD PANAS
How to support JEROLD's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor JEROLD PANAS's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
