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Alex Pancheri
1945 - 2020
Alex Pancheri
1945 - 2020
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Alex Pancheri Obituary
1945-2020
Alex Pancheri passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, October 18, 2020, at his home in Houston, Texas. He was born on April 18, 1945 and is survived by his wife of 49 years, Karen; children Catherine (Dave), Chris (Jane), and Lauren (Matt); grandchildren Philip, Casey (Steve), Melody, Tyler, Logan, Lilly, Mimi, and Jenna; and great-grandchildren, Simon and Louis.
Alex was a devout Christian and member of St. John the Divine Episcopal Church. He graduated from North Texas State University's School of Music in 1968 and became the Orchestra director at Pasadena High School, where he taught for more than 30 years. After "retiring", Alex went on to become the orchestra director for First Baptist and then Tallowood Baptist Churches. When not conducting, you would find Alex playing cello with Gilbert & Sullivan, Echo Orchestra, or a myriad of other quartets and groups across Houston. He was a guest clinician at multiple schools including St. Johns and Northland Christian, judged orchestra contests, and taught private cello lessons. Alex also coached multiple swim teams and taught swimming lessons. Besides God, family, and his students, coworkers and friends, Alex's other loves included music, cars, and roses.
Alex's outgoing personality, celebration of life, individual mannerisms, and never ending encouragement affected the lives of all who knew him. He will be sorely missed.
Due to Coronavirus restrictions, there will be a private memorial service on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 11:00am. Everyone can live-stream the service via https://sjd.org/pancheri and/or attend the reception held afterwards at 12:30pm at Bacco, 3615 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Alex's name to Texas Music Educators Association via the TMEA Scholarship Fund, PO Box 140465, Austin, TX 78774-0465.
The family would like to thank Mike Miller for the wonderful photograph.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Laurie Cox
October 19, 2023
Such a fantastic man! The best smile and laugh!
Ann McDaniel
November 1, 2020
I will miss seeing Alex at church.
Susan (Clement) Lassila
October 31, 2020
There are not words to adequately express the profound impact "Coach" Alex had on myself (and three siblings) via the Southwest YMCA swim team. His smile and deep belly laughs were infectious. He had one of the best mustaches (ever!!!!). He had an uncanny way of making You believe Yourself and motivating You to be the best version of Yourself both in and out of the pool.
It was beautiful to read the below tribute -- I can only imagine how many young peoples lives he impacted over the years. https://www.houstonchronicle.com/neighborhood/pasadena/news/article/Former-Pasadena-ISD-orchestra-director-connected-15686291.php
Coach Alex, Thank you for believing in me and being there for myself and my siblings when times got tough in our home. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall as you stepped into your role as "Grandpa" and "Great-Grandpa" -- and can only imagine the antics and silliness that must have ensued. My girls are 4yrs and 6yrs and they would have LOVED learning to swim w/ super silly Coach Alex and your beautiful roses in the yellow & white house.
Karen, Kathy, Chris and Lauren - I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Coach Alex will always have a special place in my heart.
Sandy Salazar
October 30, 2020
I had Mr Pancheri for orchestra all 4 yrs in my high school days (PHS class of 89). He was always a cheerful, respectable man and an excellent teacher with an abundance of patience. He was the only teacher that has been locked in my memory which only means he made a difference in my life. It is with great sorrow to hear that he has passed but it’s great to read that he lived a fulfilled life in the walk with Christ. My condolences to his wife, children and family.
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Katrina Packard Elvig
October 30, 2020
Love to all of you at this difficult time .... Steven Packard Jr., and Katrina
Charles Tittsworth
October 29, 2020
What a beautiful service. So glad it was streamed, since out of an abundance of caution I was able to be with you in spirit. Peace be with you.
Everitt Soliz
October 28, 2020
My wife and I had the honor of knowing Alex for many years thanks to Chris and Jane. We are honored to have shared the wonderful memories with Alex at the Thanksgiving Holiday parades in downtown Houston, the airshows at Ellington Field and most recently at Chris's birthday party this month. May Alex fly high into Heaven with the Blue Angels as his escort. He will be missed!
Laurie Cox
October 28, 2020
Alex had an infectious personality and just made you smile when you were with him... he didn’t even mind me wrapping his house with toilet paper,lol! He would just try to catch us and laugh. He will be sorely missed!
Katherine Unger Marshall
October 28, 2020
I have always adored the storyteller family I have and sitting around a table with Alex and my brothers to here stories of Nana and Daddy and my Aunt Lillian.
I remember how proud I was to be able to run down to the orchestra pit at a show and see my cousin among the talented musicians there.
I also remember how much I hated it when he would pinch me from under the water in the swimming pool when I was little!
Karen, Catherine, Chris and Lauren I am so sorry you are hurting right now and praying that your fond memories will give you great comfort.
Tony M Brown
October 28, 2020
Alex. You will be greatly missed. It was a pleasure ro meet and talk with such a fine gentleman. My prayers are with the Pancheri family during this difficult loss. Blessings Tony M Brown
Daniel “Danny” Daughtry-Weiss
October 27, 2020
At age five (his first Suzuki student!) Mr. P taught me the first, and perhaps most important lesson about classical music—it’s fun, not stuffy! A lesson that serves me well to this day. It just so happens, last Saturday (before I learned of his passing) I was telling a music director he is the only one allowed to call me “Danny”. I will never forget his laughter—or riding on his back at the pool with other kids. Peobably gave me the best launch I’ve ever had—I wish I could launch my own kiddos so well.
David and Leslee Unger
October 26, 2020
I have so many memories of Alex from hearing him practice his cello at our Nana’s house when we were young kiddos to riding his back at the swimming pool where he was a life guard to him help big me repair my car when Dad was out of town. I always loved talking to him but could just sit back and listen to him and all his stories and jokes. He was more than just a cousin and my brothers and I loved him so very much. He will be missed but never forgotten and when we remember him it will always put a smile on our faces. We will be praying for you Karen, C-Cathy, Chris and Lauren and all of your family’s.
Kyle Kerbow
October 26, 2020
In memory and sympathy, Lakeland Industries
Gerry Wieman
October 26, 2020
Being a fellow teacher with Alex at Pasadena HS was a blessing. Such a great man, musician and teacher. He is now leading the Angel Choir, though sorely missed on earth.
Lanita Howdeshell Bristow
October 26, 2020
I have such good memories of Mr.Pancheri. He was my orchestra director when I was in 6th-8th grade while at Jackson Intermediate ( I am now 61 !) I played the cello and took private lessons from him. My mom and I still laugh at his unreliability for showing up to the lessons because of his youth and adjustment to adulthood but he instilled in me the beauty of the instrument and I played in the orchestra until graduating from Sam Rayburn in 1976. I still own the cello from those years . My condolences to what looks like a beautiful family, grounded in the love of Christ! By the way, he obviously made the transition to adulthood in a wonderful and strong way! Ha!
Kevin & Peggy McClain
October 25, 2020
Alex was an absolute sweetheart. He will be sorely missed.
Vicki Paris Grant
October 25, 2020
Condolences to all the family and friends. I attended PHS orchestra from 1972-1976. He touched my life along with so many others. Forever in our hearts Mr. P.
Via 1975 yearbook. Notice the bows in the front row (left page). We were THOSE students who wanted to leave our mark and surprise Mr. P. We accomplished that task and long story short he was smiling about it at the end of being called into his office. He DID have a sense of humor. Until we meet again. I know that heaven sounds a little sweeter having you home. ❤
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