John Pantaz

John Thomas Pantaz (Tom), 84, of Brunswick, Maine, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, with the love of his life, his wife Nancy, at his side, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice Center in Scarborough, ME, after a short illness.
Tom was born on December 9, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Gladys Pantaz, the daughter of Irish immigrants, and Thomas John Pantaz, a Greek immigrant. After the death of his beloved father during Tom’s childhood, he and his sister Vicky were lovingly raised by their mother and older sister, Mary Irene Pantaz (“Rene”). In his youth, Tom excelled as both a student and athlete, graduating near the top of his class from Normandy High School and lettering in baseball and basketball.
In 1963, Tom met and married his lifelong friend, companion, and reason for being, Nancy (Moore) Pantaz. They were married for 62 years, tackling life’s obstacles and experiencing its joys as a team, and together raising their three children, Matthew (Matt), Alexander (Alex), and Amanda. As a family, they moved around the country as Tom’s career blossomed, took memorable road trips in their station wagon, and tackled hardship with laughter.
Tom began his career in business in an entry-level position, but through hard work and perseverance, he rose up the ranks of the corporate credit world, achieving a prestigious career in business as an executive vice president of credit for several large department stores and ITT Corporation. After retiring from ITT, Tom transitioned to real estate, partnering with his wife Nancy, as successful residential real estate agents in Marietta, GA.
Outside of work, Tom was a dedicated and unconditionally loving husband, father, and grandfather. Nothing brought him more happiness or pride than his grandchildren, whose kindness, character, and life paths he helped shape. Tom had a lifelong interest in sports. In his later years, he could often be found working out with his son and grandson, or cheering on his favorite pro teams, the Braves and Chiefs.
Tom was known by all for his enduring and hilarious sense of humor. Tom constantly discovered new ways to make his family laugh, whether it be a humorous (and lengthy) speech at his grandson Zach’s wedding, or dyeing his hair and mustache brown from gray at the end of a recent physical rehabilitation program to convince rehab staff he’d been rejuvenated by their program. He will be remembered for the joy that he brought into the lives of everyone he encountered.
Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Irene (Rene), and parents Gladys and Thomas John Pantaz. Tom is survived by his wife, Nancy Pantaz; his sister, Vicky Reiver; his three children, Matt Pantaz, Alex Pantaz (Darcee), and Amanda McLean (Mac); his five grandchildren, Zach Katz (Kaitlyn), Max Katz, Eli Pantaz, Audrey Pantaz, and Bess Pantaz; Nieces Tammy and Anna, and his nephews, Michael, Neal, and David.
In lieu of flowers, Tom’s family requests donations be made to spurwink.org. He will be celebrated at a family gathering in the spring.