Richard (Richy) Panessa

  Noted events in his life were:

• Newspaper: The Poughkeepsie Eagle-News, Thursday, 31 May 1934, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess, New York, USA. Richard Pennes, 4, of 35 North Perry street, received bruises on the
face at 5:20 o'clock Tuesday afternoon when struck near his home by the automobile of Victor B. Peterson, 54, of thc town of Poughkeepsie.

• Obituary: Poughkeepsie Journal, 15 Jul 2014, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess, New York. Richard A. Panessa Sr.

Poughkeepsie, NY - Richard A. Panessa, Sr. passed away July 13, 2014 with his family at his side. Richard, (Richy) was born October 10, 1930 in Highland, NY and moved to Poughkeepsie as an infant. He was the son of the late Pasquale and Mary (Bellacicco) Panessa.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Shirley (Peters). They were married April 24, 1955 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and are still parishioners. Richard is also survived by his son, Richard and wife, Patricia of Poughkeepsie and his daughter, Mary and her husband David of Montrose, NY and their two sons, Daniel and Matthew. His grandsons were the light of his life. Also surviving are two brothers-in-law whom he thought of as sons: Harold T. Peters of Rhinebeck and Joseph M. Peters of Hyde Park as well as many nieces, nephews, grand and great grand nieces and nephews.

Richard was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Frank Pennes, Anthony Pennes, John Pennes, Pasquale Panesa, Daniel Panessa; sisters Cora Vilches, Agnes Rizzo, Carmella Marcus and Josephine Pesacreta.

He graduated from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School and Poughkeepsie High School. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America (Life) and served as Boy Scout Leader of Mt. Carmel's Troop.

Richard proudly served in the Korean War in the 31st Infantry Regiment 8th Infantry Division Able Company as a medic. He was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries he received in combat near Song-Jong, North Korea and was honorably discharged in 1953 as a Corporal. He is a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. (M.O.R.P.H)

Richy (as he was known) was a tile setter for 25 years and many homes in the area carry his handiwork. He then worked for IBM as a coordinator in East Fishkill for 21 years. After retirement, he then did odd jobs around town, notably at Darrow Funeral Home and Estelle & Alfonso Studios.

Richard was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus Florentine Assembly. As a member of the Florentine Council #304, he served as Grand Knight and Trustee. He also held offices as District Deputy and Chapter Chairman of the Hudson Valley K of C. as well as many state leadership positions. He was honored as Knight of the Year in 1991. As a Knight, he was honored to serve as an altar server at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

An Avid Yankee fan, Richy especially loved hunting, fishing and gardening as well as hunting for wild mushrooms. He looked forward each fall to making wine with his nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 from 3PM to 7PM at Joseph J. Darrow Sr. Funeral Home, 39 So. Hamilton Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. (845) 452-1840. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Thursday July 17, 2014, 9:30 AM at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church with Msgr. Gerald Colacicco officiating. Burial will follow at St. Peters Cemetery, Salt Point Tpke. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of your choice. send online condolences please visit our website at www.darrowfuneral home.org

Published in the Poughkeepsie Journal from July 15 to July 17, 2014

Richard married Living