Stephen M. Panella

I just heard about Steve's passing. Steve touched many wide and far and I am saddened that maybe he did not really understand his healing gift. I first met Steve at Dances of Universal Peace in Gainesville. Then we shared a retreat at the Abode of the Message in NY in 2004 and several other Sufi retreats after that. We made such a sweet connection and talked all about the meaning of our lives. That sealed the deal; we were family. We traded art and healing sessions and many hours talking...

I, too, just found out about Steve's passing. I am deeply sadden and send my condolences to his loved ones. I knew him in Florida. He was a brilliant artist; a warm soul. May he rest in peace.

I knew Steve as we were each getting our grad degrees at the U Florida. He convinced me to join his soccer team, since girls are always needed on co-ed teams, and I loved playing even though I sucked.

He was so fantastic at being supportive at my attempts to play, without sounding fake or falsely inflating my ego. Steve and I saw each other a couple times after I left Florida in 2002, and we talked on the phone frequently for the first few years after I moved away.

He...

I have only just now heard of Steve's passing and I am so very sorry for your loss, and for that matter, everyone else's. I met Steve in my first art class at NIU. We weathered through 2 back to back studio classes at 2.5 hours each, only to have to trek over to math! He became a great friend over the years making me laugh so hard I found it best to avoid drinking any beverages before we hung out. He was a beautiful person inside and out, so talented and dedicated to his craft that he...

I am deeply saddened by this news. My prayers to the family for the gentle healing of their hearts.

I was a blogger friend of Steve's and posted his inspirational art several times on my blog. Such a talented, kind, compassionate, sensitive man. We'll miss your sweetness here on Earth, Steve.

To the family - I have video footage of Steve walking me through his artwork in his home in Santa Fe. Please contact me if you would like to have a copy of this. I am happy to provide. I...

I am so very sorry to learn about Steve's death.
Very heartbreaking!
I never met Steve in person but knew him through our blogs.
Steve was a wonderful person.

I am so very sorry for your loss!
May Steve's memory always be a blessing to all those who knew and loved him!

Steve, was a great person. I knew him through the GRSL soccer league as a soccer referee where I learned of his passion for art. He also helped me out and refereed several UF club matches. He was a good referee and person and will surely be missed and not forgotten. The last time that I heard from him was when he was headed out to Santa Barbara to pursue his dreams. May you rest in peace.

We just heard about this today and are incredibly saddened. Steve and I (Kelly) started the Juice soccer team in Gainesville in 2001, and played together until he moved to IL. Steve was a great player, a great person, a great artist, and most importantly, a great friend. We still can't believe its true. The soccer pitch will never be the same again...

I always enjoyed working with Steve at the W Hotel. We had great conversations about art and creativity. He had a very kind, considerate heart and would often show concern for others in his daily routine at work. I would see him buying food for the homeless on the streets near our work place. It pained him to see the people cold, hungry living on the streets. His compassion went further through his volunteer work at a shelter. He not only gave them a colorful mural but I am certain that...