Ronald J. Panda

Ronald J. Panda, 82, fondly known to so many loved ones as Papa Bear, departed this life on February 27, 2025. He was the beloved husband of the late Jacqueline Herrington Panda. Ron was born in Bridgeport, CT on April 20, 1942 to the late Anne C. Seliga and Joseph F. Panda and grew up in Stratford. Ron attended Fairfield Prep for high school and then received his bachelor's degree before becoming a computer software analyst. Ron is survived by his three daughters, Christine Geary, Sharon Spence, and Bonnie McGee, and son, R.J. Panda, along with their spouses J.J. Geary, Tren Spence, Shane McGee, and Mirela Panda respectively. He leaves behind a sister and brother-in-law, Dianne and Jim Ploof, along with 2 nieces Amy (Brian) Coddington, and Mindy (Dominic) Giannotti, 8 beloved grandchildren and 5 grandnieces/nephews. He also leaves behind deep relationships with family and friends in Mississippi.
Ron was an avid golfer. He spent the first part of his life in Connecticut before spending more than two decades in Mississippi, where he lived at Shadow Ridge Golf Club. He participated in numerous golf tournaments, often with his wife Jackie, as his golfing partner. He was heavily involved in a yearly charity golf event for his St. Fabian's Church in Hattiesburg, MS. He was a faithful fan of the New York Jets, attending the Super Bowl they won in 1969 with Joe Namath and later bringing his children to games. In addition to the NFL, he followed college basketball, often cheering on the teams from UCONN and his wife's alma mater, Ole Miss. In addition to his devotion to his family, he was the proud owner of multiple huskies over his lifetime. He enjoyed walking his pups, taking them for car rides, and spoiling them with ice cream treats. Some of his favorite ways to spend his days were listening to his son and daughter sing, watching his children and grandchildren participate in their favorite sports, and playing quiet card games with family, beating them fair and square.
To honor Ron's memory, a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Most Holy Trinity Church, 84 N. Colony Street, Wallingford. Interment will follow at Saint John Cemetery. Relatives and friends may attend a visitation on Thursday morning from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at the B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 S. Elm Street, Wallingford. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Fabian's ministry at https://www.saintfabian.com/give in Ron's name. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.BaileyCares.com