Osvaldo Panetta

It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of our beloved father and grandfather Osvaldo Panetta on Sunday, July 30, 2023.

Aldo was born on July 24, 1931, in Reggio Calabria, Italy. He survived Allied bombings, Nazi soldiers and poverty. He joined the Italian Merchant Marine at age 16, crossed the International Date Line twice, and landed in the U.S. at age 19. He had no money or college degree, but he did have the American Dream of opportunity.

Aldo was a proud U.S. Army veteran who served in Germany during the Korean War. He apprenticed in the construction trades and later founded Panetta Construction Company. He became known for his high quality workmanship and built dozens of homes in and around Thornwood, NY for 30 years.

On February 24, 1957, he married the love of his life, Elia Calero, who he sadly lost in April of 2021 after 64 years of marriage. Aldo and Elia raised four children in Thornwood, NY and enjoyed more than three decades of winters in the Florida sunshine of Delray Beach.

Aldo found joy in staying active. He loved golf, gin rummy, sports, and all kinds of music, from Italian opera to 50’s doo-wop to the American song book.  “I Did it My Way” was a particular favorite. In later years, he was an inspiration to many as he came out of retirement at age 87  to continue building the custom homes he had become known for some three decades earlier.

Aldo is survived by his children: Cathy Creed and her husband Frank of Westford, MA; Linda Kane and her fiancé Bruce Strothenke of Thornwood, NY; and John Panetta and his wife Mary of Glastonbury, CT. Aldo is also survived by six grandchildren: Jennifer Milligan and her husband Bryce of San Diego, CA; Meaghan Kane and her partner Christopher Shkreli of Thornwood, NY; Devin Creed of Kolkata, India; Elena Henreckson and her husband Jonathan of Loveland, CO; Christen Panetta of Florida; and John Panetta of Glastonbury, CT. He is also survived by his sister Marie Vecchio of Pleasantville, NY.

Aldo and his beloved wife Elia lived a life that taught us to put family first, make time to laugh, and always work hard. We thank God for the 92 years we had with him.

Visitation and memorial/remembrance will take place at the Hawthorne Funeral Home, 21 W. Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne, NY on Friday, August 4. Visitation hours are 9:00 -11:00 am. Memorial/remembrance service begins at 11:00 am. Entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY to follow.