Joseph M. Panella

Joseph M. Panella obituary, St. Petersburg, FL

Joseph M. Panella

Joseph Panella Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Louis A DiGiacomo Funeral Home, Inc. on Jan. 10, 2026.
JOSEPH MICHAEL PANELLA - passed away peacefully at HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital in St. Petersburg on January 6th, 2026 at the age of 87. Born in Philadelphia, Joseph served in the US Army and was a retired Philadelphia Police Officer for 22 years, serving in the 3rd District, 15th District, and the department's elite Stake Out Unit (now S.W.A.T.). He moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, and worked for the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus, where he served 10 years before retiring in 1997. Joseph was a member of the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle in St. Petersburg and a member of the Italian-American Club in Clearwater. He is survived by his sister, Phyllis Connors of Langhorne, PA and was predeceased by his brother, Robert Panella, of Southampton, NJ. Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral mass 11:30AM Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at St. Christopher Church, 13301 Proctor Road, Philadelphia, PA 19116. Interment Our Lady of Grace Cemetery, Langhorne, PA.

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January 20, 2026

Linda M Newbert posted to the memorial.

January 20, 2026

Linda Newbert posted to the memorial.

January 10, 2026

Robert J. Miklas, USN posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Memorial Tree

Linda M Newbert

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Linda Newbert

January 20, 2026

There are so many memories of you, Joe, from the old neighborhood... 25th St. We lived around the corner on Stillman St. and you and my brother were friends. Although I am younger than you, I still loved when the "gang" came to the house for a party.
I'll miss calling you on your birthday, although I missed it this year, I thought about you with love and fondness.
May you rest in peace my friend. My heart is broken.
I wish I had known about your funeral, I would have made the trip to Philly to say goodbye. Love you!!!

Robert J. Miklas, USN

January 10, 2026

Joseph, you stand relieved from your post. A job well done fellow veteran and community servant. America thanks you for your service to our country in the defense of freedom. The final volley has sounded and taps is about to begin, ending a successful career as a nation“s defender. Farewell fellow veteran.

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Louis A DiGiacomo Funeral Home, Inc.

1055 Southampton Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19116

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Sign Joseph Panella's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 20, 2026

Linda M Newbert posted to the memorial.

January 20, 2026

Linda Newbert posted to the memorial.

January 10, 2026

Robert J. Miklas, USN posted to the memorial.