Joseph Panelli

1932 - 2023

JOSEPH PANELLI

March 15, 1932 - November 20, 2023

Joseph (Giuseppe) Panelli was born on March 15th, 1932 in Capannori Italy to Salvatore Panelli and Teresa Pierucci Panelli. In 1952 at the age of 19, he left Tassignano Italy after being sponsored by his aunt and uncle from California to work in Canada. After living in Canada for six years, Joseph came to California to be with his brother, Angelo, and eventually worked to become a United States Citizen. In 1957, he met the love of his life, Dorothy Pacini, who he married on April 12, 1958 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Bakersfield. God blessed them with a happy marriage of 65 years, raising three beautiful children.

Joseph worked as a residential and commercial painter until he became General Manager at Sierra Iron and Metal. He then ventured out on his own, starting Western Recycling and J&R Recycling until he retired.

A true family man who loved the Lord, Joseph enjoyed fishing with his brother and children. He became an accomplished Bassmaster, winning Golden Empire Bass Club's Angler of the Year in 1999, as well as winning and placing in many other tournaments in both The Golden Empire Bass Club and Kern County Bassmasters. An avid hunter, he enjoyed dove, duck and pheasant hunting, often bringing home injured birds and nursing them back to health. He treasured time with his family, traveling to the coast, woodworking, and spending time in his garden. In true Italian fashion, he always knew best and delighted in bantering with his loved ones.

Joseph was preceded in death by his father and mother Salvatore and Teresa Panelli, brother Angelo Panelli, and son Eugene Panelli.

Left to treasure his memory are his wife Dorothy of 65 years, son Sal Panelli (Jewel), daughter Terri Benyon (David), granddaughter Megan Stohl (Lloyd), granddaughter Jennifer Panelli, grandson Joseph Benyon (Susan), granddaughter Emily Benjamin, grandson Dominic Panelli, 4 great-grandchildren, brother Piero Panelli (Giuliana), sister-in-law Lorraine Panelli, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

We want to thank all the wonderful people at Hoffman Hospice House for their compassionate care and guidance, as well as his caregivers and friends at Kern River Transitional Care and Magnolia Place.

Visitation will be held from 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. and Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12300 Reina Rd., Bakersfield, on November 30, 2023, with interment to follow at Historic Union Cemetery, 730 E. Potomac Ave, Bakersfield.

In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made to Hoffmann Hospice 4325 Buena Vista Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93311 www.hoffmanhospice.org. 661-410-1010 or Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12300 Reina Rd. Bakersfield, CA 93312 661-587-3626.

Doughty-Calhoun-O'Meara Funeral Directors

www.bakersfield.com/obits