Nov 23, 2005 2 min read

John R. Pancella, 74, of Rockville, Md., died on October 27, 2005, in Montgomery Hospice, Casey House, Rockville, Md. Dr. Pancella was born in Dunbar, Pa., he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and mathematics form Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1953. He served in the Army from 1953 to 1955 and was honorable discharged with the rank of Captain. He began his educational career as a high school biology teacher in Pittsburgh from 1955 to 1960.

Dr. Pancella began his 20-year career in the Montgomery public school system in 1965 as a high school science teacher. In 1968, he became science supervisor for elementary education and later worked in testing. For more than 10 years, he was science supervisor for the county’s secondary schools. He initiated many curriculum programs and innovative projects for science students and teachers, K-12. He was widely recognized for his success in helping promote higher level thinking activities. He was a key planner of the school system’s first high school science magnet program. He retired in 1985.

He received a master’s degree in zoology research on freshwater invertebrates in 1962 and a doctorate in science supervision and zoology in 1970 both from the University of Maryland. While in graduate school, he taught courses in anatomy, physiology and science education at the University of Maryland.

In 1967, he was an editor of “Studying Teaching,” a college textbook for the training of teachers. He also published science research articles, booklets on science teaching and 50 children’s science cassette learning packages.

After retiring from the Montgomery schools, Dr. Pancella was a science book reviewer for five professional journals and gave presentations on discovery and inquiry learning at schools, universities, and teachers’ conferences. In 1989 he was a consultant for the United States Agency for International Development helping to establish a national science curriculum in Egypt.

A world traveler, he has toured more than 70 countries. He organized and led tours.

A niece, Desiree Gardner, and nephew, Joseph Pancella, both of Connellsville, Pa., and by a host of loving family and friends, survive him.

A Memorial Mass was held on November 19, 2005, in Saint Mary’s Church, Rockville, Md.