Contributions to the tribute of Robert Craig Panza

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Anonymous planted a tree in memory of Robert Panza

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Judy, we are so so sorry. Big hugs Terri and John Fahrenholtz Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

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Nafissa Amadou uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, May 13, 2023

My wedding pastor, my relationship mentor who is there I can run to for advice when misunderstandings happen between me and Hama, a trustworthy person, honest person who can give me the best advice I cannot regret, my heart is in pain since the day I heart you left the world because I do not want to say pass because to me you never pass, but present, future. You left with part of our hearts, Rest in peace Heroes. We will take good care of your wife Judy (our Mother Judy) you both touch our hearts in incredible ways. Love you, Robert Craig Panza.

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Nafissa Amadou uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Dear, Robert Craig Panza(Father-in-Law)grandfather to my children and my relationship mentor this moment is the most difficult moment for all of us who get the chance to meet you and Judy, and live with you, you touch our hearts in many ways, it is such a blessing to know you and live with you, but with sorrow and tears we see you living us is difficult, you will be missed dearly, nothing can replace the love and care you give us. rest in peace (Veteran Heroes the Warrior of war, a loving person always available to give a hand to support others. rest in peace your love will always shine on the earth, and you are not gone because hearing your name only brings love to each one who gets a chance to spend time with you. Rest in peace Father-in Law

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Julie and Don Smith uploaded photo(s)

Friday, May 12, 2023

Q: What 3 words best describe Robert and why? A: Rob was always wise, caring and had time for us. We met Rob and Judy in Lancaster, Texas but we've visited them in California a couple times. They would share their experiences and life as missionaries in Niger with us as we prepare ourselves to become missionaries in the future. Rob and Judy are just like our spiritual parents, and he will definitely be greatly missed. -- Don and Julie Smith, TX

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Kay Magenheim uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Rob was my first cousin; his father was the oldest of three siblings and my mother was the baby of the family. In between was our dear Aunt June. At a young age, both Rob and I found ourselves with divorced parents, which was rare in the 50’s and 60’s. During those difficult times, we found refuge and an extra helping of love in the form of our shared grandparents, Granny and Pop. The last time I saw Rob when he was at the skilled nursing facility, he said that Pop was the greatest man he ever met, and I agree. I don’t know if it was conscious or not, but Rob emulated some of Pop’s best qualities throughout his life. He was generous, open-hearted, faithful, and deeply loved God and his family. During the depression, our Pop supported so many people in his community by allowing them to charge goods at his grocery store and gas station, even though he knew they would probably never be able to pay their bills. Rob devoted countless hours and resources to his church and the African families and friends that he cared for so much, as well as to his own children, grandchildren, and other relatives (blood and “adopted”). Although Rob didn’t sing classic vaudeville tunes around the house like our grandfather, he often expressed a sense of humor and lightness reminiscent of Pop. He liked to engage in playful banter with me, and we had fun teasing each other in a loving way. He called me “kiddo,” even though he was a mere ten years older than me. In those moments, Pop was reflected in Rob’s grin and twinkling eyes. Rob’s email address even included the word “joyful” as an expression of that essence. Rob was a giver and cared about helping others. When my husband was starting a company many years ago (back before Quickbooks), Rob wrote a DOS program for him to create quotes for his customers. He and Judy were encouraging during those early times of us stepping out into the business world and shared their experiences having done the same. They let us use their mountain cabin on weekends when our kids were young, and we shared numerous Thanksgiving feasts together. Last year when I was searching for a place to stay near Santa Barbara with a friend who was going through cancer treatments, he offered us their nearby home, which was a Godsend. The most impactful way I felt Rob’s generous spirit was the way he stepped in to help with our disabled cousin after Aunt June died and he and I became Mike’s conservators. Rob and Mike were war babies, born six weeks apart. The extended family all resided in one home in the LA area during those early times, so they started their lives together. In 2003 when the time came to move Mike north to a group home in San Jose to be closer to us, Rob’s support was invaluable. He had recently retired and was more available to visit regularly and take Mike out for walks, while I handled the paperwork and business side from my home an hour away. It was sweet to see them reconnect regularly after so many years apart. Rob and Judy’s strong foundation of faith, family, and love has been passed on to those they have touched throughout their lives. Even though Rob’s physical being is gone, he lives on in these values and traditions. I will always honor and remember Rob with gratitude, peace and great love.

A Memorial Tree was planted for Robert Panza

Friday, May 5, 2023

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Santa Cruz Mission Chapel Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

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The family of Robert Craig Panza uploaded a photo

Friday, May 5, 2023

In loving memory of

Robert

1944 - 2023

Plant a tree in memory of Robert