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Stephen Panella Obituary
He is survived by his mother, Susan Wagoner; stepfather, David Wagoner; aunts, Janet Kroll and Barbara Bromgard; uncle, Bud Holley; cousins, Dana Ayres, David (Kelly) Kroll, Terri Bromgard, Karen Severson and Cheryl (Jason) Miller.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Nello Panella; and maternal grandmother, Mary Holley.
Stephen was an accomplished artist. He received his Master of Fine Arts from the University of Florida. He also enjoyed playing soccer and was a certified referee of the sport. Stephen also loved his cat, Lulu very much.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2008 from 4 PM 8 PM at The Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Pl., Aurora, IL 60506. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, December 5, 2008 at the chapel. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hesed House, 659 S. River St., Aurora, IL 60506, where Stephen volunteered.
For further information, please call 630-897-9291 or visit our website at www.healychapel.com to leave an online condolence.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Panella
Valerie Rosenkrantz
September 19, 2009
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 about the ups and downs of our love lives. LOL. I watched him play soccer. We used to visit for tea. I felt such a deep loving energy from Steve. We faded as he drove away from Gainesville towards his passion to find his niche as an artist. I will always treasure the art and gems he gave me and the memory of his quietly powerful loving energy. Peace Be With Us ALL.
To his mother. I have two paintings of his Sufi heart and would be happy to send you one. With Love
E Lopez
August 7, 2009
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.
Rachel Whalley
August 4, 2009
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 was an explorer of life and a gift of a friend. I'm very sad that it took so long for me to discover he was gone. He will be in my thoughts and prayers for years to come.
Lauren Allen (Carroll)
April 22, 2009
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 was truly called an artist, and one of the sweetest friends I could always rely on for a world class hug. Space Invaders will be missing the King and I will be missing my friend. Peace to you Steve, and to your family and friends.
Eileen Meyer
January 28, 2009
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 am trying to locate it now. Many blessings.
Margie Kaplan
January 28, 2009
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!
Dante Buckley
January 18, 2009
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.
Jim and Kelly McNeal
December 11, 2008
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...
Donna Arnold
December 7, 2008
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 his presence and conversation instilled a sense of dignity and self worth to those less fortunate. He will be sadly and painfully missed.
C. Banasiak
December 5, 2008
Stephen was a soft spoken man. He was gifted, intelligent and humble. Too few have these qualities. I had the pleasure of knowing him for far too short of a time. My prayers are with Stephen's friends and family.
Cappy (Vargas) Schupp
December 5, 2008
Hi Susan,
I worked with and was close to Steve at the Hollywood casino valet for several summers in college. He is a blessed and beautiful person in memory and forever. I was saddened to the depths of my heart. I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope Steve has found peace.
Rick Heath
December 5, 2008
Steve and I were co-workers at the W Hotel this year. I enjoyed working and talking with him - his caring, passion, and humor shone through when he would tell me about his art, more recently his volunteering at the shelter and playing soccer again, and when we would trade dry jokes about work and life. I will miss him and will continue praying for him and his family.
louis zaka
December 4, 2008
hi sue
it louis i want to say i am verry sorry for your loss and wish you best
Danny
December 4, 2008
I worked with Steve at the W Hotel. He was a great guy and co-worker. I enjoyed the brief time we had together. I know he was spiritually awake and have confidence his soul is alive, vibrant and in peace and harmony.
Gabriela Rayas-Baker
December 3, 2008
My deepest sympathies for your loss. You will never be forgotten.
A Mom
December 3, 2008
I have never met your son Stephen or his family but I can let you know that ...you are not alone. I lost both of my sons. You are in my prayers.
jose iniguez
December 3, 2008
susan lo siento mucho yo apreciaba mucho a tu hijo pues cuando venia a aurora trabajaba conmigo de arbitro y espero que dios te de fuerzas y animo un abrazo de jose iniguez
Lynne Saidac
December 2, 2008
I just met Steve at Hesed House. We spoke about his volunteering and he was excited to begin thinking of more creative ways to volunteer there. I am so sorry I will, now, not have the opportunity to get to know him better. My warmest thought to all of you who loved him.
Lynne Saidac
Willie Jackson
December 2, 2008
Steve has been a great friend for many years and will be sorely missed. My prayers go out to him and his family. May he rest in peace.
Blake Harrison
December 2, 2008
I am so sad to hear of Stephen's passing. In all my years at UF, he is one of my favorite young artist to have had the pleasure to know. Good fortune passed my way again when I was able to work along side him at SFC, in Gainesville. My condolences. I will always remember him and his art, especially his "book" art. I wish you all inner peace dealing with this loss.
Gloria Navarro and Bea Salazar
December 2, 2008
We had the pleasure of working with Steve many years ago at WSB. He was always fun and pleasant to have around. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Cat Palka
December 2, 2008
Steve was a wonderful person and he will be missed by so many of us. In your time of sorrow, I hope that you find comfort in your loving memories of him.
Andrew Parker
December 2, 2008
I grew up with Steve, I am saddened to hear of this. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
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