Joseph R. Panarello

1951 - 2022

Joseph R. Panarello

Hillsborough, NH — Joseph R. Panarello, 70, unexpectedly passed away on July 18, 2022, in his home with his longtime partner Theresa (Terry) Vota. Joe was born in Winthrop, MA on October 16, 1951.

Joe graduated from Saugus High School in Saugus, MA. He later moved to New Hampshire, where he graduated from New England College in Henniker, NH.

He was predeceased by his father, Joseph J. Panarello, his mother, Gloria L. (Covino) Panarello and his sister, Lynne Panarello.

Joe was the unit Director of Medical and Forensics Services at the New Hampshire Department of Corrections for most of his career. He was often referred to as the "gentle jailer". For the remainder of his career, he was the superintendent of the Belknap County Department of Corrections.

Joe, an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed hiking, camping, fishing & cross country skiing. He loved antique auctions, collecting antique bottles and selling antiques. He was also an amazing baker of breads and pies.

He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Panarello) Randall & her husband, Frank and their children, Abigail & Jackson Randall of NH, his stepdaughter, Heidi Labate and her husband, Jonathan Labate, their children, Ruby & Sylvie Labate of VT, his sister, Gail (Panarello) Smith, her husband, David Smith of North Carolina and their children, David Smith II of Ohio, and Christine Smith Russell (Dan) of Georgia. He was also survived by many other family members and friends.

To honor his life & memory, the family will be holding a memorial service on September 15, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Fox Forest Baldwin Education Center at 309 Center Road, Hillsborough, NH. Friends and family are invited.