Michael Jon Panetta - Deceased

(Lansing, MI)

Age 57, his victory won, went home with the angels to the loving arms of His Heavenly Father, Friday, December 22, 2006. Michael was born September 9, 1949, the youngest child of Frank and Elizabeth (Rockette) Panetta.

Michael was a lifetime member of the Church of the Resurrection where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. He graduated from John A. Gabriels High School in 1968 and he received his BA, MS, MA and Doctorate of Philosophy from Michigan State University.

Michael retired from the State of Michigan in 2002 where he served as a contract administrator for Children and Family Health Programs in the Department of Community Health. He is a past Grand Knight of the Richard Council #788, Charter Grand Knight of Msgr. John A. Gabriels Council #11099, and 4th Degree Sir Knight of Bishop Joseph Albers Assembly.

Michael's faith was his wealth, and his wife and family his greatest joy, especially his grandchildren. A passionate and intense individual, Michael will be greatly missed by all who truly knew him.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Susan; children, Mary (Rick) Lowe, Michelina (Richard) Cantu, and Joseph (Teresa) Panetta; brothers, Douglas (Ann) Panetta and Joel Panetta; sisters, Joan (Anthony) Faraone, Margo (Albert) Cascarelli, and Paula Panetta; uncle, Charles (Betty) Rockette Jr.; grandchildren, Adam, Carson, and Elayna Lowe; Vincent, Elizabeth, and Justin Cantu; Rya, Joseph, Michael, and Anabella Panetta. Also surviving are countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, December 27, 2006, 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Resurrection with the Rev. Fr. Jeffrey Rabideau as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends, Tuesday, December 26, 2006, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Palmer, Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Home, Lansing Chapel where a Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. followed by the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Bishop Albers Assembly Chalice Service. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society or the American Cancer Society in memory of Michael. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.palmerbush.com.

Nothing beats a failure but a try; if you don't give up or give in you will always win.

Published in the Lansing State Journal - December 24, 2006