Mr. William T Panco

William (Bill) Theodore Panco William Theodore Panco passed away on April 19, 2013 in Winter Park, Fl. Bill was born in Kingston, PA on August 23, 1927, the only child of Nicholas Panco and Mary Benotsky. Bill attended elementary school in Edwardsville, PA; he and his parents later moved to Long Beach, Long Island, NY where Bill graduated from Long Beach High School. He entered the US Navy upon graduation, serving as Petty Officer, 3rd Class aboard the USS Texas during WWII. After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Bill began working as a cook in resort hotel kitchens along the Eastern Seaboard. Ever curious and quick to hone his culinary skills, Bill advanced in the hierarchy of the brigade de cuisine which was common in the grand resort hotels of the mid-century, eventually becoming chef de cuisine. It was 1949 when a lively schoolteacher who was working as a waitress for the summer season caught Bill’s eye and captured his heart. Catherine Smith and Bill Panco were married in 1950, and began to journey north and south with the seasons, eventually settling in Winter Park, Fl. For many years, Bill Panco was the chef at the Farragut Hotel in Rye Beach, NH and its companion facilities in Winter Park, FL: the Seminole Hotel and Virginia Inn. Four children: Christine, Carolyn, Jonathan, and Marianne were born to Bill and Kay Panco—comprising a clan that enjoyed summers at the NH Seacoast and mild winters in Winter Park. In 1968, Bill became the chef at Meiner’s Catering of Orlando, and provided countless memorable dinners for personal and corporate events. Bill retired in 1992, but never completely hung up his apron and toque—he continued to inspire and teach his children and grandchildren the techniques of creating good food. His beloved wife, Kay, passed away in 1993. In retirement, Bill took up bird carving, furniture making, and organic gardening. Bill also made time for baseball--a lifelong baseball fan, Bill eagerly anticipated the start of baseball season with attending a Spring Training game or two with his pal, Fred Fenwick. Although he cheered for the Boston Red Sox year after year, Bill also admired the Tampa Bay Rays as a home team! Bill was a loving husband, great dad, and a devoted grandfather. Left to cherish his memory are daughters, Christine Panco and Carolyn Gould (Andrew) of Winter Park, and Marianne Aparicio (Julio) of Lake Mary, and son, Jonathan W. Panco of Winter Park; grandson Nathan Elias of Huntsville, AL, and granddaughter, Katie Gould of Winter Park; and niece, Donnajean Cronce of Durham, NC. Anyone wishing to celebrate Bill’s life may do so through a donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central and Northern Florida; 1020 North Orlando Avenue, Suite 100, Maitland, FL 32751. The family will be receiving friends from 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon, on Saturday, April 27, 2013, with a service to follow at 12:00 Noon, both at the DeGusipe Funeral Home 9001 N. Orlando Ave. Maitland, FL 32751. Interment will take place at Palm Cemetery, Winter Park, FL. Please visit www.DeGusipeFuneralHome.com to leave a special condolence.

Mr. William T Panco

August 23, 1927 - April 19, 2013