Raymond J. Panella

Raymond J. Panella, age 93 of Ambler, died Tuesday, August 9, in Mercy Suburban Hospital. Raymond was born in the coal mining town of Freeland, PA, the son of Italian immigrants, the late Leo and Mary (nee Zanella) Panella. Mr. Panella developed a love of skiing as a young man, opening his first ski rental shop in 1958 near Big Boulder. He was well known for his flamboyant style, often skiing backwards on one ski down the mountain. He owned and operated the Ray Panella Ski Shops in the Poconos and Philadelphia area. In 2003, Ray was inducted into the Pennsylvania Ski and Winter Sports Hall of Fame. He was a member of ASTM and the Eastern Pennsylvania Ski Council, working for many years to promote the popularity of skiing and winter sports. Raymond is a veteran of the United States Merchant Marine, serving in World War II. Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Patricia (nee Long) Panella. He is the devoted father of Michael A. Panella, of Ambler; Paulla M. Panella Pisch, of Ambler; and Gina M. Panella Strunk and her husband Michael, of Plymouth Meeting. He is also the proud grandfather of six (Raymond (RJ), Sophia, Dylan, Stephen, Angelina & Christian) ...[more]

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atives and friends are invited to Raymond's Funeral Mass on Tuesday, August 16, at 10:30 AM, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 259 Forest Avenue, Ambler, PA 19002, with Monsignor Stephen P. McHenry as Celebrant. Remembrances in his name to the Alzheimer's Association, Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA. 19106 www.alz.org would be appreciated by the family. Photos and tributes may be shared at www.UrbanFuneralHome.com To read "Lake Harmony resident honored for lifelong work as skiing enthusiast", please see the following link. http://m.poconorecord.com/article/20031028/features/310289981