Leon Joseph Panella

Leon Joseph Panella, age 72, of Prospect, passed away early Saturday morning, October 10, 2015, at his residence.

Born February 7, 1943 in Ellwood City, he was the son of the late Leo Vincent and Anna Christina DiLeonardo Panella. 

He was a member of St. Christopher at the Lake Catholic Church, where he enjoyed being an usher and greeting all.

Leon was a 1965 Duquesne University Pharmacist graduate.  His career began in Meadville, and then moved him to New Brighton where he worked for over 25 years for Puritan Drug Store.  After that, he was a Co-Owner of Brighton Pharmacy for 10 years.  He considered himself semi-retired when he became employed by RPH On The Go, where he would fill in at various Pharmacies anywhere in Western Pa.

He was very social and enjoyed belonging to many organizations.  He was a member of Alpha Phi Delta National Italian Fraternity, where he has been an active brother for over 53 years and a Past President of the Pittsburgh Alumni Club.  He was a life member of the BPOE Elks Lodge #348 in Beaver Falls, Pa, and member of the Sons of Italy Lodge #608 in Ellwood City, Pa.

Leon enjoyed making soppressata and homemade wine, and will be remembered for his time spent with his wife as they volunteered as Santa and Mrs. Claus at the McGuire Home for Children for over 25 years, and the Breakfast with Santa for the Alumni at Duquesne University.

Survived by his loving wife Karen Maria (DeRiso) Panella, who he married September 6, 1991; two sons:  Leon (Adrienne) Panella of Virginia, Matthew Panella of North Carolina; three grandchildren:  Brittany, Jake, Leo; and his siblings:  John Panella of Ellwood City, Michael (Claire) Panella of Florida, and Esther (Gustavo) Pla of Cleveland, Ohio.

Visitation will be on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at the Edward L. Raisley Funeral Home, 387 Main Street, Prospect.  A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, 11am, at the St. Christopher at the Lake Catholic Church, 229 N Franklin Street, Prospect.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the place that touched Leon’s heart:  McGuire Memorial Home for Children, 2119 Mercer Road, New Brighton, PA 15066, www.mcquirememorial.org

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