Search by Name

Search by Name

DR. STEPHEN P. PANNES

1932 - 2020

DR.  STEPHEN P. PANNES obituary, 1932-2020, Norwood, MA

FUNERAL HOME

Gillooly Funeral Home

126 Walpole Street

Norwood, Massachusetts

STEPHEN PANNES Obituary

PANNES, Dr. Stephen P 'I'll pass this way but once. Any good, that I can do, Let me know it now. 'Let me not neglect it or defer it, For I shall not pass this way again.' Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, died peacefully on May 19th at the age of 87 at his home of 58 years in Norwood, MA surrounded by his family. Steve is survived by wife Caroline, the love of his life for 57 years, his three sons, Burton (Marianne), Peter (Andrea) and Mark (Pam), his 7 grandchildren Blake, Estelle, Kate, Larry, Liza, Nick, and Stephen, his beloved brother and sister Nick and Virginia (Sullivan), and numerous nieces and nephews. A 1950 graduate of Lynn Classical High School and then the University of Michigan (BA '54, School of Dentistry, D.D.S '59), Steve's diehard commitment to the Wolverines was eclipsed only by his lifelong love of his profession as a dentist and his family. He proudly served his country as a captain in the United States Air Force attached to Nouasseur Strategic Air Command AFB in North Africa in 1959-1961 and opened his private practice in Norwood in 1963. In the 1970's and 1980's, Steve flew numerous relief missions to Honduras to provide dental services and aid to impoverished Honduran residents amidst the country's turmoil. He was a benevolent caregiver who took his obligations as a dentist seriously. The dean of Norwood dentists, he practiced for a period of 60 years that spanned over eight decades with his irreplaceable assistant and office manager, Pam Gately, and remained an active member of the Massachusetts Dental Society until the day he passed away. Steve cared about and contributed greatly to his community. He was past chairman of the Norwood Scholarship Foundation and a Mason. His infectious positive attitude and signature greeting made everyone he met feel like a friend. Steve's dedication to and pride in his family was unparalleled. He was always there in support and the biggest fan of those closest to him and was unapologetic in showing it. He possessed a great sense of humor which generated countless bad jokes with which he delighted his grandchildren. The way he led his life leaves a legacy of genuine compassion and service, lightheartedness, and true care for family, friends, and strangers alike and a shining example of a life well lived. A true Renaissance man and a man of science to the end, Steve asked that his body be donated to the Anatomical Gift Program at Tufts Medical School. His family also wishes to convey special thanks to the Gately family of Norwood for their love and support through the years. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In recognition of the outstanding care Steve received from Dr. Mikhail Maysky and his team at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, our family requests any donations be made to Doctors Without Borders. Funeral arrangements have been handled by Gillooly's Funeral Home of NORWOOD.

View the online memorial for Dr. Stephen P PANNES

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from May 31 to Jun. 7, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for STEPHEN PANNES

Not sure what to say?





Diana Drugas

March 24, 2021

May his sweet memory be eternal. I knew him for 30 years and loved him as my dentist and my friend.

Lisa Pappas

February 20, 2021

Dr. Pannes was my Family Dentist during my childhood and early adulthood. He was a friendly and nice man that cared deeply about his patients. I am so sad regarding his passing away but I know that he will be missed by everyone. I wish to offer my sincere condolences to his wife, relatives, and Pam. I remember looking at all of the Family pictures that he displayed on the wall in the reception area. When my mother became bedridden while never being able to get to her specific appointments. I appreciate the fact that he and Pam took the time out of their busy schedule to come to our house for my mother's bridges. May you rest in peace.

Lisa Pappas

Anni Autio

November 23, 2020

Deep sadness and shock to learn that Dr. Pannes has passed. I anticipated that he might retire some day but I did not expect that his retirement would be so brief. I mourned at the loss of a great dentist (mine since around 1977) and now I mourn for his passing. My heartfelt condolences to the family and to Pam.

August 2, 2020

Heartbreaking to just find out of the death of
Dr. Pannes. He was my dentist for at least 30
years. I absolutely looked forward to going to the
dentist,chatting with him and Pam and having lots
of laughter. Because of caregiving circumstances
at home and moving I wasn't able to make it to
Norwood for my regular appointments. I have very
much missed him and have no doubt he is a cherished
angel in heaven. He loved to tell me about all the
beautiful photos in the waiting room on his wall.To his wife Caroline, and all his much loved
family,my deepest condolences. Keeping all of
you in prayer. Heavenly peace be with you
Dr. Pannes. Marie Tarushka

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Frances Downey

Planted Trees

Patricia McGovern

June 8, 2020

Auntie Caroline,

I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Steve. I just found out today. Please give our love to Burt, Peter, Mark, your grandchildren and daughter-in-laws. I'm grateful that when I saw you last I got to see Uncle Steve, popping in for lunch, still working! He was an amazing man who will be missed so much by many. I will call you soon.

Patti and Chris

david kline

June 6, 2020

steve pannes was my friend. i met him and his wife, caroline, while visiting tanglewood , mass
with some mutual friends we both had from norwood
and we instantly became part of group that visited the music concerts each summer for 20 years or so. he was one of the good guys you
rarely meet and i was honpred to have known
may he rest in peace with the angels

June 5, 2020

Caroline and family, I was so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. He was certainly a very special person and a good friend. His humble kindness was so evident, and his crazy sense of humor much appreciated. I always enjoyed running with Steve years ago and listening to his stories. He cheated death all those years ago, and his life since then has continued to be a gift to this world and all who knew him. I know his passing leaves a huge void in the lives of all of you, and I hope your love for him and each other, and your fond memories will bring you Peace at this sad time.
Irene (Kamfonik) Aurilio

Grove of 35 Memorial Trees

David Walkins

Planted Trees

Rakkasans!!

Dick George

June 2, 2020

Amicus numquam oblivione dlelebitur
Requiescat in Pacem!

June 2, 2020

What a beautiful tribute. I don't know for sure who wrote this eulogy but it it is beautiful.
I did not know Steve very well, but learned what a great person he was through this eulogy.
Sincere condolences from Lou and Rosemarie Guerra to your entire family Caroline

Paul ONeill

June 1, 2020

So sorry to hear about the passing of Dr Pannes - he was not just my dentist for 50+ years, he was also my friend. His wise counsel, endearing spirit will be missed. My condolences to the family. He will be missed - he was a sweet, loving man.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Make a Donation
in STEPHEN PANNES's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for STEPHEN PANNES

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Gillooly Funeral Home

126 Walpole Street, Norwood, MA 02062

How to support STEPHEN's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor STEPHEN PANNES's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more