Kulpmont – Joseph A. Pancerella, 71, passed away on May 31, 2021 at Geisinger Shamokin Area Community Hospital.  He was born in Ashland on April 16, 1950, the son of the late Angelo and Rose (Warno) Pancerella.

Joe was a 1968 graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School and 1972 graduate of Bloomsburg State College. He worked as a Social Studies teacher at Mount Carmel Area High School for 9 years and was actively involved in PSEA. He left teaching to begin his career as a self-employed restaurant consultant, entrepreneur and owner of Pancerella Business Solutions, which he operated until his passing.

Joe was very active in his community of Kulpmont, he was a founding member of the Kulpmont 100, a member of the Kulpmont American Legion Post 231, the Kulpmont Sportsman Club, the West End Fire Co., the Marion Heights Fire Co., the Kulpmont Lions Club as well as a life member of the East End Fire Company. Joe also sat on the board of the Northumberland County Authority for eight years.

Joe is survived by three aunts, Teresa Joyce, Phyllis Clark, and Maria Ritzman (Art); and two uncles, Florey Guarno (Eleanor); and M. Frank Warno (Jacqueline) as well as countless friends, numerous cousins and several godchildren. In addition to his parents, Joseph was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Florey and Millie (D'Alessandro) Warno; paternal grandparents, John and Maria (Monaco) Pancerella; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Above all, Joe was a dedicated friend and a beloved son, nephew and cousin who enjoyed his 71 short years to their fullest.  Joe was at his happiest when he was surrounded by his many friends, all of whom he considered to be his family.  Whether he was cooking Saturday lunch at the Cantina Stampalia, visiting his family and friends on Good Friday and Christmas Eve, preparing countless meals at "Maniac", or organizing trips to visit his beloved ancestral homeland of Italy, Joe loved bringing people together to share good food, good wine, and good times, all while creating a lifetime of memories.  Joe also loved his hometown of Kulpmont with all of his being. Throughout his life, and especially over the last 10 years, Joe has spearheaded projects to improve Kulpmont's beauty, all to solidify Kulpmont as the gem of the Coal Region.  Joe's spirit – his intelligence, his wit, his wry smile, his grace, his calming presence, and his love will all live on through his closest friends and family.

Joe's legacy will continue into the future with some of the men he considered his nephews:  Terry Meyer, Oakes Nestico, Bernie Nestico, Jr., Victor J. Nestico, Chris Eury, and Tom Letcavage – all of whom will serve as Pallbearers for Joe.  His honorary pallbearers will be Bernie Nestico, Sr., Rocco Nestico, Joe "Moose" Meyer, Archie Lentini, Jeff Gilotti, Tony Lentini, Dan Eury, Nick Sacco, Lou DiPippa and John Tarutis. "Non ci ricordiamo dei giorni, ci ricordiamo dei momenti" – We do not remember the days, we remember the moments."

FUNERAL NOTICE

Joseph A. Pancerella ,71, of Kulpmont – Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 12, 2021 in the C. J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 27 North Vine St., Mount Carmel, PA 17851 , with Father Francis Karwacki officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Kulpmont. Viewing will be held in the C. J. Lucas Funeral Home, Mount Carmel from 8:30 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Kulpmont 100 at PO Box 100, Kulpmont, PA 17834. To send condolences to the family please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com