David P. Panach

1949 - 2024

David Paul Panach, 74, was a lifelong resident of Natrona Heights, PA. Born Dec. 29,1949, to the late Paul and Dorothy Panach. After a 16-year battle with multiple myeloma, Dave entered into Glory to be with his Lord and Savior on Feb. 17, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife and caregiver, Connie (Greene) Panach; daughter, Aimee Panach; stepson, Richard Craft (Marcie); grandsons, Elijah and Evan Craft of South Buffalo Township; stepson, Jarad Craft (fiance Khiara Spry), granddaughter Gabriella Craft of Jacksonville, FL; brothers, Keith Panach of Natrona Heights, and Kevin Panach of Lower Burrell; sister, Janet (Terry) Jones of Boston, MA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Dave was a 1968 graduate of Har-Brack High School, where he was a three-year member of the high school golf team. Dave attended Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Art Education in 1973 and a Master's Degree in 1977, with an emphasis on jewelry creation. At Edinboro University, Dave was an active member of the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity, where he enjoyed the lasting friendships with his fraternity brothers. Dave had a distinguished 36-year career with the Freeport School District as an art teacher. While employed in the Freeport School District, he was instrumental in developing the district's high school's golf program. In addition, he served 20 years as the assistant coach for the girls' basketball team. Dave served with honor in the United States Army Reserves with the 307th Military Police. He was called into active duty during Desert Storm in the European Theater, where he served for 6 months, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class. Prior to cancer, Dave dedicated many hours using his handyman skills to support his church, Christ Community Fellowship in Sarver, PA. Dave was an avid outdoorsman. Hunting and fishing were two passionate pastimes, along with gardening. Since his cancer diagnosis, he enjoyed spending the winter months with his wife, Connie, in their get-away' home in St. Petersburg, FL (A Special thanks to his sister-in-law; Joyce Greene, who coordinated the mail service). The years of cancer treatments were often a challenge, but Dave's faith and his many caregivers prolonged his positive attitude. Dave found a great deal of peace in those difficult days because he had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, where he found forgiveness and certainty of his eternal home. John 3:16,17. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Christ Community Fellowship, 160 Singleton Road, Sarver, PA, 16055, OR UPMC Cancer Research Checks: Please make checks payable to University of Pittsburgh'. In the memo section, write "Memorial Panach/Blood Cancer Research" mail to the attention of: Colleen Straub, UPMC Cancer Pavilion, Suite 1B; 5150 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15232. Friends will be received on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, from 2-4, 6-8 p.m. in the CICHOLSKI-ZIDEK FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1522 Carlisle Street, Natrona Heights, 724-224-8688. Additional visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Christ Community Fellowship, 160 Singleton Rd., Sarver. Officiating will be the Rev. Nathaniel Huebert and Rev. Jeff Youell. Burial will be Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Township. To send an online condolence, please visit www.cicholski-zidekfh.com.