John Mario Panaro

1949 - 2023

John Mario Panaro Greenville - John Mario Panaro, 74, died Saturday, November 18, 2023 surrounded by the love of his family. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM in the Wilkerson Funeral Chapel, officiated by Father Gaston Nsongolo. A private interment will be held at Oakdale Cemetery in Washington, North Carolina at a later date. A native of Hartford, Connecticut, John was the son of the late Mario and Vanda Pace Panaro. He graduated from Manchester High School and enlisted in the United States Army in 1968, proudly serving his country. His service eventually took him to Korea from 1968 to 1969. After his tour in Korea, he was stationed at Ft. Monroe in Virginia until the end of his service in July 1971. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Central Connecticut State College and an Associate's Degree from Pitt Community College. He relocated to North Carolina in 1976 and later made Greenville, North Carolina his home in 1978. John had a 40-year tenure at MBM Corporation in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, working as a computer programmer and analyst. Throughout his work career, he was an instrumental member of the team, helping the company grow and become a leader in the food distribution industry. He was extremely valued and well respected by his coworkers. John was a devout Catholic and dedicated member of the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church in Farmville, North Carolina. You could always find him volunteering for tasks large and small to help the church function smoothly. His contributions will be missed at the church in many ways. John was a man who lived his life with purpose and kindness, always willing to help anyone in need. He knew no stranger and is a true example of a life well lived. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by two brothers, Angelo Panaro and Michael Panaro. He is survived by his dedicated wife, partner and best friend of 47 years, Dale E. Panaro; daughter, Ann Panaro and husband, Sam Robinson of Raleigh, North Carolina; step-grandchildren, Celeigh and Quinn Robinson; a brother, Joseph Panaro and wife, Meg, of Glastonbury, Connecticut; a sister, Marie Paradis and husband, Joseph, of Manchester, Connecticut, and nieces and nephews, Jessica Moulton, Amy Walls, Leah Vallee, Mario Panaro, Megan Bolton, Aaron Panaro, and Christopher Panaro. In his honor, memorials may be made to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church located at 3455 S. Contentnea Street in Farmville, North Carolina. Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com