Obituary: Philip J. Panzeca, 92, Of Ridgefield

Information and Photo Courtesy Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Professor Philip J. Panzeca, 92, of Ridgefield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023. Born in Brooklyn, New York to John Panzeca and Mary (Montalbano) Panzeca; predeceased by his wife Jane (Quinn) Panzeca and siblings Anthony Panzeca (Julie) and Marie LeKanides (John), he was a devoted son, husband, cherished father to his three daughters, role model to his two grandsons, affectionate brother to his two siblings and a caring brother-in-law, uncle, and cousin.

Philip graduated from Brooklyn Tech High School in 1949. He enlisted in the Marines and received the Korean Service Medal and UN Service Medal for his service in the Korean Conflict. Upon his return home, he married Jane in 1955 and went on to further his education. He graduated from Hofstra University in 1957, received an M.B.A. in 1964 and an M.S. in 1970 from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University, now known as the NYU Tandon School of Engineering. He obtained several national science, mathematics and engineering honor society distinctions and was also awarded an Industrial Engineering fellowship through the National Science Foundation. A full professor of Computer Science and Industrial Engineering at Hofstra University for forty years, he remained Professor Emeritus until his death. At Hofstra University, he served as Computer Science Department Chair for Graduate Studies; Assistant Dean for Computer Studies at the University College for Continuing Education; and In-House Consultant: University Space, Energy and Telecommunication Studies.

Philip enjoyed golf and was a single digit handicap for many years and was thrilled hitting a “hole in one” more than a couple of times. He often cited those years of walking and playing golf for contributing to his later stamina and strength. In addition to golf, Philip was happiest being with family. A resident of Ridgefield since 2016, he became a neighborhood fixture sitting on the front porch, waving to dog walkers and people passing by. Throughout the years, he remained an avid sports fan of the Giants, Yankees, and women’s collegiate sports, especially the UCONN women’s basketball team. His love of sports continues as a legacy to those who loved him.

Philip is survived by his three daughters: Mary Beth Wright, of Enfield; Ellen Panzeca, of Ridgefield; and Rev. Dr. Jane Cloutier of Stamford. In addition, two grandsons survive him: Matthew Cloutier and Philip Panzeca II. The family is grateful to the physicians, nurses and office staff who provided compassionate and extraordinary care to Philip as well as providing comfort to the family, with special mention to: Kirsten Hohmann, MD; Evelyn Cusack, MD; Alex Ortega, MD; Brenda Chan, MD and Anne Hyson, MD.

Friends, family, former students, colleagues, and the community are invited to a memorial service to celebrate Philip’s life at St. Paul’s On The Green Church in Norwalk, CT at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Prof. Philip J. Panzeca Professional Engineering Review Program Endowed Scholarship at Hofstra University at www.hofstra.edu/panzeca; or, contact Hope Motreuil, Director for Annual Giving and Stewardship at: 516-463-6336 or via email, at: hope.motreuil@hofstra.edu.

To offer online condolences and to share memories, please visit: http:///www.cognetta.com.