Joseph Richard Panichello

Mar 7, 1929 -

May 29, 2020

Longtime resident Joseph Richard "Punch" Panichello, 91, died peacefully at home on May 29, 2020. Joseph was born on March 7, 1929, in Sparrows Point, Md., to Frank and Mary Panichello. He graduated from Sparrows Point High School in 1947. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Air Force, and was assigned to Elmendorf Air Force Base in 1950, where he was appointed Sergeant in Charge of the surplus yard. He fell in love with Alaska and its people during this time. In 1952, he was assigned to Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Ga., where he was honorably discharged. After spending time back home in Maryland, he drove cross-country and up the Alcan Highway in 1953, where he decided to put down roots in Anchorage.

Joseph met his wife Faye in Anchorage before she graduated from West High School. They married on July 21, 1954, and shared a wonderful life together for 57 years. They had three children: Michael, Gaylene and Frank.

He was employed by Don Chemical Company in 1960, now known as Alaska Mill and Feed. Eventually, Joseph took a position with Alaska Sales and Service in 1971 and stayed with the company until he retired in 1999. He loved his work at the dealership and being able to help customers. While a lot of people walked through those doors as strangers, many of those interactions solidified remarkable friendships. That is the genuine connection and sincerity Joseph provided to everyone: always treating friends like family. Helping others brought him great joy.

Joseph was an avid fisherman. He loved to take his boat to Seward and go fishing – silver salmon was his favorite. He enjoyed frequent trips to Hawaii with his wife and the many road trips throughout Alaska and Canada in their motorhome. In addition to traveling, he loved working in his garden and greenhouse, where he grew vegetables and flowers. He was also very proud of his large, beautiful lawn.

Joseph is survived by his daughter, Gaylene Panichello and spouse Marciano; son, Frank Panichello and wife Donnetta; along with his grandchildren, Anthony Panichello and wife Mesiah and Kristopher Schell. Additionally, he is survived by his great-grandchildren, Alfonso, Myli and Joseph.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Faye; and son, Michael.

Joseph requested that a funeral service not be held. His wish was to be cremated and his remains placed next to those of his wife, in the Catholic Section of the Columbarium Wall in the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or contributions, the family requests that you spend time with those you love, live life with gratitude, forgiveness and with no regrets.