Vincent "Gym" Panetta

Vincent J. "Gym" Panetta, Jr., age 96, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024, surrounded by his loving family in North Carolina, where he resided with his son, Carlo, for the past 11 years. He was born on June 24, 1928 in Erie, the son of the late Vincent and Anna (Sammarco) Panetta.

Gym was a carpenter by trade, a long-time member of Local Union 81. He enjoyed woodworking and always had a number of projects on his workbench. His teddy bear rocking chairs, rocking horses, and his signature "sofa snack table" were gifts to family and many friends. When not in his work shop, he enjoyed watching his favorite Western shows and spending time with family and friends. Anyone who met Gym will remember his contagious laugh and how he loved to share stories.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret A. (DiNicola) Panetta; and his sisters Josephine Panetta-Colecchia and Patricia "Bae" Panetta-Schuschu.

Gym is survived by his children, Vincent J. Panetta (Tammy), Ann M. Panetta, and Carlo J. Panetta, of North Carolina, and Michael A. Panetta of Erie; and his grandchildren, Ashley and Alexa Panetta, Vinnie Panetta, and Steven Melton (Katrina); and one great grandson, Callum James Melton. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Wednesday, July 17, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and are invited to attend a Funeral Service there on Thursday, July 18, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).