Carmine Panzino

Carmine Bruno Panzino, 89, of South Haven, Michigan formerly of Jersey City, New Jersey died Monday, April 26 just short of his 90th birthday, at South Haven Community Hospital surrounded by his family.

He was born on May 18, 1920 in Jersey City, New Jersey one of eleven children born to Alfonso and Philomena (Santangelo) Panzino. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Bernice “Betty” Filpkowski whom he married on July 31, 1945. He is survived by his four daughters- Bernice Mills of South Haven, Michigan and the late Leslie Mills, Dolores Whellan of North Plainfield, New Jersey and the late Bill Wheelan, Margaret and Thomas Romano of Jersey City, New Jersey, and Phyllis and Robert Caldwell of Rockville Centre, New York. Proud grandfather of nine grandchildren, David (Susan) Mills, Matt Mills and Erin Mills, Bill and Kate Whellan, Zach and Justine Romano and Victoria and Michael Caldwell. Carmine had three great grandchildren whom he adored, Bennett and Parker Mills and Kendall Brown.

He is survived by his brothers, Bruno, Rocco and Al Panzino along with his sisters Josephine Muolo, and Phyllis Francis. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Antonio and Frank Panzino, and sisters, Maria Gallucci, Madeline Romano and Rose Kelly.

Carmine was an Inspector with the Jersey City Sewerage Authority until his retirement in 1982. Prior to that he was employed by June Dairy. He was an assistant to Councilman Tom McGovern and active in the Jersey City Democratic Association.

He was also an avid sports enthusiast supporting the New York Mets and Jets. As an active member of the Paul Revere Boys Club he won the honor of Golden Gloves Champion in 1940. Additionally, he was an Assistant Football coach for Snyder High School during the 1960’s. He also coached the Jersey City Destroyers Semi-Pro Football team during the late 40’s. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II as a Staff Sergeant stationed in the Aleutian Islands.

Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Greenville Memorial Home, Jersey City, New Jersey. Visitation will be Thursday, April 29th from 5 pm till 9pm at Greenville Memorial Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, April 30 at 10:30 A.M. at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions can be made to St Jude’s Children Hospital or St. Joseph’s School for the Blind in New Jersey.

Local arrangements were handled by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven.