Eleanor B. "Elli" Panichas

94, passed away on November 4, 2025. Elli was the daughter of the late Edmund and Jennie (Sarro) Vallante; she was the wife of the late Anthony T. Panichas for 64 years, and the mother of the late Dr. Michael A. Panichas.

Elli’s career began at Rhode Island College, where she reached the rank of Director of Communications. Her extensive background in the advertising and communication field brought the College into a new era, joining internal and external divisions of the College to develop a new image which was needed at that time. Later Elli started her own business, Communication and Design Management. In that position, Elli designed for many businesses, from schools, to the medical field, to the renowned Bristol 4th of July Parade.

She also served as a Park Commissioner on the Providence Board of Park Commissioners for many years. Elli received a Citation from the Providence Mayor in recognition of her contributions to the Providence Board of Commissioners.

Elli was of Italian heritage and her husband, Tony, was of Greek heritage. From the beginning of their marriage, they decided to weave their two ethnic backgrounds together and each participated in both churches, enjoying the customs of both religions.

A devout Catholic, Elli actively supported each of her churches: St. Bartholomew Church in the Silver Lake section of Providence, where she headed up the Religious Education Program for many years; the Holy Cross Church in Providence, where she was president of the Women’s Guild; and St. Robert Bellarmine Church in Johnston.

Elli’s greatest love and achievement was founding the Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy and working with its members to bring the “Hill” back to its original condition, with the goal of putting the “Hill” on the National Register of Historic Places, to forever be enjoyed by the public. She also did much charitable work – simple things that were never noticed by most – noticed, however, by God.

Eleanor leaves one sister, Janice Triggiano of North Kingstown, and many nephews and nieces. Elli was also the sister of the late Dolores Parrillo of Johnston.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Robert Bellarmine Church, 1804 Atwood Avenue, Johnston, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 10 a.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution, in Memory of Eleanor B. Panichas, to St. Robert Bellarmine Church.