In Memoriam: Liber Panella

Firefighter Liber D. “Lee” Panella, 92, passed away at Memory Care Center in Chester on November 14, 2016 after a short illness.

Born in Mendham, he was a lifelong resident.lee-panella

Mr. Panella was a parishioner of St. Joseph’s R. C. Church in Mendham, a member of the Pastime Club, Boy Scouts of America, and actively supported the Sisters of Christian Charity in Mendham. He was an avid hunter, gardener, and enjoyed traveling.

Lee was a member of the Mendham Fire Department for over 58 years, joining in December of 1958. He served in the US Army from 1943-1946. He had been employed by the Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) in Budd Lake for many years as the Dairy Manager before retiring.

Survivors include his wife Marion Simmons Panella, his son Daniel T. Panella and his wife Carol, his daughter Janice Legg, two sisters Carmela “Dolly” Bochino and Rose DiFalco, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday, November 17, 2016 from 4-8 PM. Fire Department Services will take place at 6:00 PM during visitation.

Funeral Services will be from the funeral home on Friday, November 18, 2016 at 9:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s R. C. Church at 10:00 AM. A final tribute by the fire department will follow Mass at the Mendham Fire Department Headquarters. All are invited to follow the procession to the firehouse for that service.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in his memory to the Mendham Fire Department, 24 East Main Street, Mendham, NJ 07845

Arrangements were made by the Bailey Funeral Home of Mendham. Visit baileyfuneralhomes.com.