Eugene Joseph Panelli

02/02/1959 - 09/22/2015

Eugene "Gene" Joseph Panelli was born in Bakersfield, California on February 2nd, 1959 to Joseph and Dorothy Panelli. He was the eldest of three siblings, brother Sal and sister Terri.
Gene received his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical/Structural Engineering from California State University Sacramento. He has been in the steel fabrication business for over 32 years. When Hopper Steel closed in 1992, Gene joined Kern Steel Fabrication where he moved up from Project Supervisor/Detail Design Engineer to Manager of Engineering. As the Vice President/General Manager, Gene has been the Chief of Operations at Kern Steel Fabrication for the past ten years. Gene was instrumental in constructing many steel structures throughout California including most public works buildings in Kern County. His expertise in designing and building aircraft maintenance platforms for large military and commercial aviation is found in many facilities across the United States. Gene was a member of the National Engineering Honor Society and a current member of the American Welding Society.
Gene truly lived life to the fullest and made every effort he could to ensure his friends and loved ones had the opportunity to do so as well. Some of his greatest passions included sport fishing in Los Cabos where he enjoyed catching Marlin, Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo and other large game fish. When Gene wasn't fishing, he also enjoyed hunting, golf and traveling. In 1991 Gene even hiked to the top of Mt. Whitney with his best friend Mark Garcia. Although very adventurous, Gene really knew how to enjoy the simple things in life we often take for granted. From enjoying a nice glass of wine with the family, or an ice cold Corona by the pool, he always found a way to enjoy life.
Gene's biggest gift to us was his enormous heart. He was a wonderful son, brother, father and a perfect husband to his loving wife Elizabeth. If he had the power to better a situation or make something right, Gene did it without hesitation. It's hard to comprehend how such a big heart can be contained in one person. He loved and cared so effortlessly and the impact he has made on so many lives is a permanent one and will never be forgotten.
Gene is preceded in death by his grandparents Salvatore and Teresa Panelli, Gino and Eda Pacini, and uncles Angelo Panelli and Oliver Torigiani. Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife of 15 years, Elizabeth, parents Joseph and Dorothy Panelli, his daughter Jennifer, husband Orlando Galvan, son Michael Davalos, wife Mandy and granddaughter Brielle, son Chris Davalos, brother Sal, wife Jewel, nephew Dominic, niece Emily, sister Terri, husband David Benyon, nephew Joseph, and niece Megan along with his three aunts, one uncle, and many cousins.
Thank you for all the overwhelming love and support shared by family and friends and to all the doctors and caring nurses of San Joaquin Community Hospital, 5th floor, and ICU. The viewing will be at Doughty-Calhoun-O'Meara at 1100 Truxtun Avenue on Monday, September 28, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 900 "H" Street Bakersfield at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, September 29, 2015. Burial to follow at Union Cemetery, 730 E. Potomac Avenue Bakersfield. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made in the name of Gene Panelli to The Lymphoma And Leukemia Society or The Southern California Ronald McDonald House Charities.
DOUGHTY-CALHOUN-O'MEARA FUNERAL DIRECTORS