Francis John Panek, 96, of Dupont, PA (formerly of Hillsborough, NJ), passed away March 13, 2025, at Mountain Top Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, just over one month after the passing of his beloved wife of 68 years, Ann Marie Panek.
Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late William Panek and Stella (Malischak) Panek.
Frank was a graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School, Wilkes-Barre and served proudly in the United States Air Force, before beginning his career at 3M for 42 years, retiring as a maintenance foreman with many accolades.
Frank amazed his friends and neighbors with his ability to be an extraordinarily dependable father, employee, and hobbyist. Racing pigeons was a unique passion he shared with his oldest son John, while gardening & maintenance were other regular interests. He was an avid Cleveland Browns fan who always enjoyed watching them with his family.
Frank and Ann loved to travel to every corner of the US and overseas, where Poland/Europe and Australia/New Zealand became favorites. An annual vacation they always looked forward to was their week-long vacation to New Bern, NC with daughter Janet & her husband Rick.
Frank was dedicated to the Polish National Catholic Church (PNCC) from a young age as altar boy in Wilkes Barre, PA, to President of the PNCC, Dunellen, NJ, always helping with fundraisers, activities & general operations of the church. Frank loved to sing and joke with his children and grandchildren, ride his lawnmower, and take frequent road trips to visit family & friends. He was a fascinating father and friend to us all, lighting up the room with his positive spirit.
He is survived by his daughter, Janet Panek-Harding (Rick), Mt. Top; sons John Panek (Susan), New Jersey; Mark Panek, New Jersey; and Raymond Panek (Samantha), New Hampshire. Also surviving are grandchildren Jessica Panek, Lauren Talento, Margo Panek, and Shoal Panek.
The family would like to thank the caretakers at Mountain Top Rehab. It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do. Your care for our father was a blessing and very much appreciated.
The family will receive friends and relatives, Wednesday March 19, 2025, from 9:30AM-10:30AM at Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William St., Pittston.
A Mass of Christian Burial will follow Wednesday at 11am in Holy Mother of Sorrows Church, 212 Wyoming Ave., Dupont, celebrated by the Very Rev. Zbigniew Dawid, Pastor.
Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to Holy Mother of Sorrows Church.
Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC.
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