Bernadette "Bernie" (Deon) Panaro

Mrs. Bernadette “Bernie” (Deon) Panaro, age 76, of New Hartford, passed away on Monday, January 28, 2013 in the comfort and privacy of her son’s home with her loving family by her side. Bernadette was born in Utica on September 22, 1936, the daughter of the late Alfred and Rose (Racioppa) Deon. She attended local schools. She met her future husband, Frank “Hank” Panaro in 1956. Their union spanned 48 years of unconditional love for each other and their family. They lived their lives in supportive harmony until his passing on August of 2002. It was on August 24, 1968 vows were shared in St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church. Bernie took great pride in caring for her husband and children, and her home was welcoming and wholesome. She had an outgoing way about her that allowed her door to be open to anyone in need. Her grandchildren always put a smile on her face. When Bernie’s children were a little older, she accepted a position at New Hartford High School serving in the cafeteria, a position well-suited to her innate maternal nature. But her family was always her priority. Bernie was blessed with consummate culinary skills and she provided her family with classic Italian fare which was especially bountiful during holiday festivities. She was fond of collecting salt and pepper shakers. Bernie loved the warmth of the sun, taking in its rays on the back deck or on the beach at the family camp on the St. Lawrence River, a place where many cherished friendships were formed. In her later years, she wintered in Florida at their second home. Bernadette is survived by her son, Michael A. Deon of New Hartford; her daughter and son-in-law, Rosemary and Michael Taylor of NC; and her grandchildren, Arianna, Dustin, and Sean. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Ruth Deon of Plattsburgh; brother-in-law, Lawrence Percacciante; several nieces and nephews and their families; and close family friends, Ron Passante, and Debbie, The Cicigline Family and R.J. Shafer. She was predeceased by her brothers, John Deon, and Alfred Deon; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Amelia and Emlyn Williams, and Rosalie and Benjamin Bashaw; and her nephew, Richard Williams. Michael extends thanks to Elvira Puskr from Guardian Angels for providing private home aid care for over 2 years, and Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for their vigilance and support. In keeping with Bernie’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Memorial service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Monday afternoon at 1:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. Inurnment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Bernadette "Bernie" (Deon) Panaro

September 22, 1936 - January 28, 2013