John Joseph Panarese, Jr., age 79, a resident of Naperville since 1987, passed away suddenly on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at his home in Carillon Club of Naperville. He was born April 14, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, to his loving parents, the late John J. Panarese, Sr and Marie Loeschorn. His family moved to New Hyde Park, Long Island, NY, when he was 12, and he continued his Catholic education there, graduating from Chaminade High School, Mineola, in 1960. John went to Hofstra University on LI, graduated in February 1965 with a BA, and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the US Army.

Later in December 1974, he received his Master's in Business Administration. While at Hofstra, he met his loving wife Suzan (née Markowski) and married on August 29, 1964.

He was initially sent to the Ft. Bliss Army/Artillery Base in El Paso, Texas, with his Unit leaving for Viet Nam the day before his 1st anniversary. Spending 13 months at the Ton Son Knut Airbase in Saigon, he helped build up the Artillery base there, returned home, and finished his Army commitment in New Jersey.

In April 1967, John's business career began with Scott Paper Company - Consumer Sales, in Parsippany, NJ, and lasted for over 30 years, having been promoted and transferred with his family to East Northport, Long Island; Loveland, Ohio; and then to Naperville, Illinois. While in Naperville, Scott Paper was sold, and John was asked to stay on for six months and support the merger. He did so and was also able to find his next position with Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) as their new Sales Manager for the next 8 years. John’s next move was into the Health Care Industry for the next 6 years, enjoying the varied cultures and the education that he received. He formally retired in 2009.

Always staying active, John became a Lacrosse official, his favorite sport to play in college, while continuing his 40-year racquetball devotion. He also joined SCORE, a National Non-profit business organization in which he was active until his passing. He taught History at the Senior Center for Benedictine University, and also became very active at the Carillon Club community in 2014, where he help start the history club. Aside from the NNNC Golf league, which he helped create over 25 years ago for the men in the area, he was also the Wednesday coordinator for golf at Carillon.

He was a man with many passions in life and was guided by many mottos, including God, family, and service. His most famous motto was "Carpe Diem" or "Seize the Day," which he did! But his biggest passion for 58 years was the love of his wife, Suzan, and family. They had 3 wonderful sons: John Joshua (Angela) Panarese of Parker, CO; Mark Joseph (Cathy) Panarese of Evergreen Park, Illinois; Brad Michael (Allison) Panarese of Lithia, FL; and 7 adoring grandchildren: Patrick John (PJ), Bridget, and Nora; Grant and Samantha; and step-grandchildren Angelina and Jax; siblings, Wayne (Janice) Panarese; Maria (Robert) Sullivan; Geraldine (Louis) Bonica; and Michael (Clare) Panarese, and many loving nieces, and nephews. His large family and many friends will miss him.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Homes & Crematory, 24021 Royal Worlington Drive, Naperville, Illinois. Funeral Mass, Monday, 11:00 a.m., at Holy Spirit Catholic Community, 2003 Hassert Blvd., Naperville, IL. Private Interment at Assumption Cemetery, Wheaton, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in John's name may be made to a charity of your choice, that you are passionate about, so that organization may seize the day.

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