Mrs. Nenette M. Panaro

Mrs. Nenette M. (Spadaro) Panaro, age 88, of Utica, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 in Rhode Island where she recently moved to be closer to her daughter. She spent her last hours with her children at her side, as well as close family friend, Chip Hanley. Born in Norwich, NY on June 9, 1927, Nenette was the daughter of the late Antonio and Carmella (Lombardo) Spadaro. She also knew the love and guidance of a second father, Cosmo Panaro. She was raised and educated in her native town, graduating from Norwich High School in 1945. On September 5, 1949, she married Frank J. Panaro with whom she shared a blessed union of 53 years. To the end of their days together, they walked hand-in-hand. At one time, Mrs. Panaro held a position in the business office of the Chenango and Unadilla Telephone Corporation and was employed as well as by two local firms, United Auto Parts and Cahill Auto Supplies. In addition, Nenette was secretary and assistant treasurer of the Genesee Paint and Glass Company, the family business that she and her husband owned and operated for more than 40 years until her 1991 retirement. Nenette was a woman whose life was filled with devotion to friends and family. Her sauce was the envy of many and she had many recipes that all will miss. When people think of her, they remember a woman with a gentle charm who listened intently, gave freely, and put others first. She hosted many parties and enjoyed opening her home and vacations to her family and friends ... “the more the better” she always said. And humor was a must. But her greatest accomplishment was mothering her children. Whether it was helping at school, creating activities at home, or traveling to educational spots, Nenette put their growth first. Both sad and proud when they moved away, she continued to mother across the miles and visited frequently. A new level of family joy came in 1998, when her grandson entered her life. Nothing thrilled her more than hearing his voice say Noni or learning of his latest interest or milestone. Nenette was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Church where she was active in the church’s programs and deeply involved in the life of the parish community. She also belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of St. John/Commandery #385 and was a member of the Sans Souci Sorority. She was also a member of the St. Cosmo and St. Domiano Society. In each group, she occasionally held officer positions. Mrs. Panaro joins her husband and brother Charles Spadaro in heaven. She is survived by her son, Frank A. Panaro of Anchorage, AK; daughter, Maryanne Panaro and grandson D. Patrick Grady of Cumberland RI; sisters, Caroline Parise-Elias of Newton, MA, Joan Yacono of Norwich, NY and Cecilia Zieno of Baldwinsville, NY; brother-in-law Salvatore J. Bosco Jr. and his children Salvatore J, Bosco III and Thomas and Nicole Bosco; her life-long friend Rose Bucciero and her family; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, god-children who knew her as Aunt Neen, Aunt Peanut and Aunt Nan. To celebrate her life this weekend, many loved ones are traveling from around the country. Visitation will be held Saturday from 4:00-6:30 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Nenette’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Rev. Abe Esper officiating the ceremony. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family, at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in Nenette's honor to the Msgr. Carl J. Denti Foundation at St. Anthony of Padua Church; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Friends are asked to join the family at the 11:30 am Mass at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church on Sunday morning to meet at the church Nenette loved, to remember her one last time.

Mrs. Nenette M. Panaro

June 9, 1927 - November 3, 2015