11/21/2024
Anthony Panici, age 58, pharmacist and philanthropist, passed away at his home in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood on November 20, 2024. Formerly of Mokena, Anthony was born and raised in Chicago Heights.
Anthony was a devoted husband for 8 years to the late Lynn Marie nee Baumgartner. Loving father of Anthony Vincent Panici, Jr. Beloved son of Anna nee Planera and the late Ettore Panici. Loving brother of Rosemary Panici and Tommy (Jackie) Panici. Cherished uncle of Anna (Keith) Holguin, David Peterson, Ryan, Ethan and Megan Clark. Dearest nephew of Mary (late Joseph) Pongelli, Assunta “Sue” (late Joseph) Grilli and many predeceased aunts and uncles of the Planera and Panici families. Cousin and friend of many.
Graduate of Bloom High School class of 1984. During his high school years, Anthony worked at Bruni-Schultz Drug Store as an assistant clerk and runner. It’s there that he decided on his future career in Pharmacy. He graduated with a BS in Pharmacy from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 1990. In 1994, he became the proud proprietor of Bruni-Schultz Pharmacy on Chicago Road. Anthony then went on to own Mokena Pharmacy, Custom Meds Plus Pharmacy and currently Pharmacy Management Solutions. Member of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists.
Anthony was proud of his Italian heritage. He was a lifelong member and past President of the Amaseno Lodge No. 3 in Chicago Heights. He belonged to the Order of Sons and Daughters of Italy Chicago Heights Lodge #1430. He was a devoted supporter of The Marchigiani Society along with a strong supporter and lifelong member of San Rocco Oratory. Anthony was a compassionate soul with a huge heart for others. In the year 2000, wishing to memorialize his late wife, Lynn, he established two distinct organizations. The first was Lynn’s Boutique at St. James Olympia Fields Hospital, which specialized in items for women who have survived or are living with breast and other cancers. The second initiative was The Annual Lynn Marie Panici Golf Outing, organized out of care and concern for others facing the same loss. The annual event helped support Lynn’s Boutique and The Cancer Support Center. In 2017 Anthony was awarded the TRJ Humanitarian Award by the Cancer Support Center for his generosity and making a difference for those who are battling cancer. In 2022 The American Catholic Press presented Anthony with The Gratiam Dei Award for his philanthropy promoting Italian culture and funding substantial scholarships. Anthony also maintained a deep devotion to San Lorenzo and San Rocco. There are shrines to both saints at the Amaseno Lodge and San Rocco Oratory.
Anthony was a dynamic individual, loved by many. He lived each day to the fullest. He loved spending time with family and friends, in the United States or in his family’s hometown of Amaseno, Provincia di Frosinone, Italy, enjoying a glass of vino, food, a cigar, stories and laughs. His smile, sense of humor and larger-than-life personality lit up every room he entered. Anthony will truly be missed.
Resting at Panozzo Bros. Funeral Home, 530 West 14th Street (US Rt 30, 3 blocks E of Western Ave), Chicago Heights on Sunday November 24, 2024, from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Family and friends will meet at Our Lady of the Heights/St Kieran Church, 724 – 195th Street, Chicago Heights on Monday November 25, 2024, for a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am. Burial at Assumption Cemetery Glenwood, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial’s in Anthony’s name to The Lynn Panici Golf Outing benefitting The Cancer Support Center, 2028 Elm Rd, Homewood, IL 60430 (or visit www.cancersupportcenter.org) would be appreciated by the Panici family. Info 708-481-9230 and panozzobros.com.
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