Anthony J. Panepinto

Anthony (Tony) J. Panepinto, 85, passed away peacefully on June 17th at Banner Desert Hospital in Mesa, AZ.

Tony was born February 3, 1935 in Buffalo, NY to Anthony and Mary Panepinto. He relocated with his family to Tucson, AZ in 1972. He worked and retired from the Sun Tran Bus Company in Tucson. Following his retirement, Tony worked for the University of Arizona in their Department of Parking and transportation and then for the Arizona Prison, Department of Corrections as a recreation officer in both the Florence and Tucson Prisons.

Tony loved to help coach boxers as this was a love instilled in him by his father. He volunteered his time with the Tucson Police Athletic league as well as the University of Arizona sharing his extensive knowledge with young men looking to excel in the sport. He built a gym in his home to continue to encourage and coach potential contenders following his retirement.

Tony is survived by two siblings – George Panepinto (Grand Island, NY) and Rosalie Penna (E. Amherst, NY); his children – Rocco Panepinto (Germany), Donna Hinkle (Yucaipa, CA), Anthony J. Panepinto (Gilbert, AZ), Maria Hoyt (Fountain Hills, AZ) and Mark Panepinto (Gilbert, AZ) along with 22 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Mary (Filipovich) Panepinto and his brothers, Richard and Charles.

A memorial service and funeral mass will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church located at 1375 S. Camino Seco, Tucson, AZ on Friday, September 18th at 10am. He will be laid to rest in Buffalo, NY at a future date.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Tony Panepinto to Gleason’s Gym – Give a Kid A Dream, 130 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. This organization provides at-risk youth an opportunity to turn their lives around through working, training, and studying in a safe environment. For more information you can visit https://www.gleasonsgym.com/gakad.