Peter Louis Panasci

Peter Panasci, 96, passed away in Lake Jackson, Texas on January 4, 2026, surrounded by his devoted family. He was born on August 30, 1929 in Brooklyn, New York, to a large, loving Italian family.

It took Peter a while to figure out what he wanted to do as a career, and he amused us with his tales of part-time jobs such as delivering false teeth for dentists, delivering blocks of ice (sometimes up many flights of stairs), and as pin boy in a bowling alley. His father Joseph worked as a blacksmith and Peter helped him for a while, learning skills in ornamental iron. It was with those skills he was hired by General Bronze Corporation. During that time he learned drafting for architectural and mechanical design, and was promoted to the Engineering Division. For most of his career he used those skills in different parts of the country, working for companies such as Grumman, Republic Aviation, and Kodak, and some contract assignments. He worked as a supervisor for projects such as the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor at Princeton University in New Jersey, and the Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant in Glen Rose, Texas. For several years during that time he owned a recruiting firm. He retired as the CAD/CAM Supervisor from the Superconducting Supercollider Project in Waxahachie, Texa, in 1994.

In his younger years he enjoyed golf with friends, running, and working out. He really loved to cook. He had always wanted to paint, and in 2004 enrolled in watercolor painting classes at the local community college. It was taught by Julia Crainer and he was the only man among his classmates, so they all joked that it was his "harem." He enjoyed many happy hours making his paintings "perfect," and gifted many to family and friends. Several of his paintings won blue ribbons and best of show at the Brazoria County Fair.

Family was the most important thing to Peter, and he served as a wonderful role model with his loving spirit and by helping with whatever was needed. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Nellie (Ponticelli) Panasci; brothers Angelo and Victor Panasci; step-daughter Stella Fredriksen (Larry); and granddaughter, Kallie James. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Judy; his brother Joe Panasci (Susan); his children, Diane Panasci Peach (Eugene), Peter Michael "Mick" Panasci, and Angela Bradbury (Larry); his step-daughter, Angela Elder (Rick); his grandchildren Colton (Deanna) and Elena (Josh); and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of dear friends made over the years.

We are so very grateful to IPH Home Hospice for their wonderful and dedicated care of Peter. We can't thank them enough.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date in Lake Jackson. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to the SPCA of Lake Jackson, 141 Canna Lane, Lake Jackson, TX, 77566, or a charity of your choice.