Feb 1, 2007 2 min read

Louis S. Panek, 80, of Buffington, Pa., passed away , Wednesday, January 31, 2007. He was born, July 17, in Margarite, Pa., a son of the late Felix J. Panek, and Elizabeth Novak Panek.

Lou was retired from the United States Steel’s Robena Slope, a United States Army Sergeant serving in the Philipines under General McArthur, member of New Salem American Legion Post 753, Uniontown VFW Post 47, and Hopwood AMVETS Post 103 and the UMWA. After the service he played minor league baseball for the Chicago Cubs organization, and he was a 50 year Pittsburgh Steeler season ticket holder. He was preceded in death by a sister, Irene Panek, and brothers, Robert and John Panek.

Surviving are sisters: Helen Varvar of Buffington, Pa., Margaret Budner of Bethel Park, Pa., and Betty Gmutza of Detroit, Mich.; brothers: Joseph Panek of Footdale, Pa., and Ernest Panek of Murrysville, Pa.; and his nephew, Ernest Panek at home.

Friends will be received in the ROBERT T. KISH FUNERAL HOME INC., 20 North Mill Street, New Salem, Pa., today from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, until 9:30 a.m., when a Prayer Service will be held. A Funeral Mass follows at 10 a.m., in the Holy Rosary Church, Republic, Pa., with the Rev. Father Stephen Bugay as Celebrant.

Interment will be held in the LaFayette Memorial Park, where military rites will be accorded by the Hopwood AMVETS Post 103.

A Parish Wake Service will be held on Friday at 8:30 p.m.