Philip Panzeca
Professor Philip J. Panzeca, 92, of Ridgefield, CT, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 26, 2023. Born in Brooklyn, New York to John Panzeca and Mary (Montalbano) Panzeca; pre-deceased by his wife Jane (Quinn) Panzeca and siblings Anthony Panzeca (Julie) and Marie LeKanides (John), he was a devoted son, husband, cherished father to his three daughters, role model to his two grandsons, affectionate brother to his two siblings and a caring brother-in-law, uncle, and cousin.
Philip was proud of the fact he never missed a day of school and graduated from the prestigious Brooklyn Tech High School in 1949. After high school, he enlisted during the Korean War and served in the first Marine division, fifth battalion as Sergeant. Philip received the Korean Service Medal and UN Service Medal and was honorably discharged in 1953.
Married to Jane in 1955, he resided on Long Island until 1996, thereafter relocating to Florida. He graduated from Hofstra University on the G.I. Bill in 1957, received an M.B.A. in 1964 and an M.S. in 1970 from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University, now known as the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. Philip obtained several national science, mathematics and engineering honor society distinctions and was also awarded an Industrial Engineering fellowship through the National Science Foundation. A full professor of Computer Science and Industrial Engineering at Hofstra University for forty years, he remained Professor Emeritus until his death. He was a natural in the classroom and loved teaching his undergraduate and graduate students. At Hofstra University, he served as Computer Science Department Chair for Graduate Studies; Assistant Dean for Computer Studies at the University College for Continuing Education; and In-House Consultant: University Space, Energy and Telecommunication Studies.
He was a lifelong teacher in other areas, too, with eager apprentices learning how to ride a bike, put a worm on a hook, swim, pack the trunk of the car, mow the lawn, convert fractions into decimals, drive (“don’t follow too closely”), paint, lay a stone patio, plant a tree, tinker in the garage and all things sports related. The family will always cherish annual lakeside vacations surrounded by relatives in adjoining cabins, as well as the frequent road trips to Florida.
Philip enjoyed golf and was a single digit handicap for many years and was thrilled hitting a “hole in one” more than a couple of times. He often cited those years of walking and playing golf for contributing to his later stamina and strength. In addition to golf, Philip was happiest being with family, where he shared the awe and wonder of space shuttle launches, frequent trips to Disney and the comfort of delicious homemade meals followed by card games and puzzles around the dining room table.
A resident of Ridgefield since 2016, where he lived with his daughter, Ellen, and grandson Phil, he became a neighborhood fixture sitting on the front porch, waving to dog walkers and people passing by. Throughout the years, he remained an avid sports fan of the Giants, Yankees, and women’s collegiate sports, especially the UCONN women’s basketball team. His love of sports continues as a legacy to those who loved him.
Philip is survived by his three daughters: Mary Beth Wright, of Enfield, CT; Ellen Panzeca, of Ridgefield, CT; and Rev. Dr. Jane Cloutier of Stamford, CT. In addition, two grandsons survive him: Matthew Cloutier and Philip Panzeca, II. The family is grateful to the physicians, nurses and office staff who provided compassionate and extraordinary care to Philip as well as providing comfort to the family, with special mention to: Kirsten Hohmann, MD; Evelyn Cusack, MD; Alex Ortega, MD; Brenda Chan, MD and Anne Hyson, MD.
Friends, family, former students, colleagues, and the community are invited to a memorial service to celebrate Philip’s life at St. Paul’s on The Green Church in Norwalk, CT at 12PM on Saturday, November 18th. The burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Prof. Philip J. Panzeca Professional Engineering Review Program Endowed Scholarship at Hofstra University at http://www.hofstra.edu/panzeca; or, contact Hope Motreuil, Director for Annual Giving and Stewardship at: 516-463-6336 or via email, at: mailto:hope.motreuil@hofstra.edu.
To offer online condolences and to share memories, please visit: http:///www.cognetta.com.