It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John J. Panoski, age 86, of Swaggertown Road, Scotia, New York, who passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025.

John was born on January 11, 1939, in Schenectady, New York. He is survived by Nancy A. Panoski, his wife of 59 years,  daughter Jennifer (Eric) Anderson, son John F. Panoski, son Kevin (Paula) Panoski, brother  Joseph (Karen) Panoski of Santa Rosa, California.  John was also loved dearly by his five grandchildren, Sarah Anderson, Lindsey (Brenden) Anderson, Thomas (Fallon) Anderson, Blane Panoski, Bradyen Panoski, and numerous nieces and nephews.

John graduated from Mont Pleasant High School and went on to join the military, where he trained in aircraft engine repair and later became a Flight Engineer.  After 33 years, he retired from Stratton Air National Guard Base. A dedicated serviceman, John's commitment to his country included active-duty combat tours in the Berlin Crisis, Vietnam, and support of the Dew Line, Northwest Territories. His passion for military and aviation history prompted a long volunteer career with the Empire State Aerosciences Museum (ESAM) as the Airshow Director for the USAF Thunderbirds and US Navy Blue Angels, in addition to being instrumental in the acquisition of many of their current aircraft exhibits. John also served a notable period in various Executive Board positions at ESAM.

John was known for his kindness, sense of humor and selflessness. In his church community of Immaculate Conception, Glenville, he served as an usher  and a member of the choir. No one was ever a stranger in his presence.  A devoted father and grandfather, he loved spending time with his family and grandchildren, travelling between his home in New York and Arizona and any aviation museum in between.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial, which will be celebrated, Friday, July 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 400 Saratoga Road, Glenville, NY.  Burial, with military honors, will be at St. Adalbert Cemetery, Rotterdam and reception to follow. Calling hours will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Empire State Aerosciences Museum, 250 Rudy Chase Dr. Glenville, New York, 12302, a cause close to John's heart.

"Forever loved and never forgotten."