2023 -- H 5028

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LC000335

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF ANGELA PANICHAS

     Introduced By: Representatives Messier, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Brien,
Kennedy, Fenton-Fung, Shallcross Smith, O'Brien, and Fogarty

     Date Introduced: January 10, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS; It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Angela

Panichas. She was born in Clinton, Massachusetts, and resided for most of her life in Pawtucket

and Lincoln. She was the daughter of the late Stanley and Nikki Chiavaras, and was the beloved

wife of the late Honorable George Panichas, a decorated World War II hero, who was elected to

the Rhode Island House of Representatives in 1970, and served his constituents and our State

with integrity and honor for fourteen years; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Panichas was a devoted wife and mother who created a nurturing and

loving home for her husband, children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook and the

delectable aromas that came from her kitchen on a daily basis still bring smiles and joyful

memories to her loved ones who will never forget the joy in which she lived her life, her

enthusiasm and big hugs, and her offering sage advice and words of love and encouragement. She

was always there for the big moments in her children’s lives; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Panichas was a woman of deep faith, devoted to the Greek Orthodox

church and community. She was a longtime member and volunteer for the Virgin Mary Greek

Orthodox Church of Pawtucket. Over the decades she served in myriad roles and positions,

including as chairperson to countless events and functions. She was also a Sunday School teacher

and superintendent of its PTA, an advisor to the G.O.Y.A. youth group, and the founder of the

church’s first Greek dance troupe. Mrs. Panichas also served as Past President of St. Barbara’s

Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, and board member of the Metropolis of Boston

Diocese Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society. In addition, she was a longtime volunteer

to Philoxenia House, a past member of her Church’s Parish Council, and served as co-chair of the

Church’s 75th and 100th Anniversary celebrations; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Panichas devoted much of her time in service to other community

endeavors. She began her volunteer career as a founding member of the Henry J. Winters School

Parent Teachers Association in Pawtucket, also serving as Board President and later on the State

PTA Board. She also served on the Parents Association Board for the Moses Brown School in

Providence, and volunteered her service on the Friends Committee of the Providence Performing

Arts Center where she cherished her friendship with the late Sylvia Dario. In honor and

recognition of her decades of service and many accomplishments, Mrs. Panichas was honored in

1988 by the Assumption Parish as an inaugural recipient of the Metropolis of Boston Ministry

Award, and was most recently honored in 2022 at the Assumption Gala for the Greats; and

     WHEREAS, Mrs. Panichas is survived by her children, Denise Panichas, Joan Milas and

her husband, Matthew, George Panichas Jr. and his wife, Annastasia, was the devoted

grandmother of Angela and Michael Milas, George III and Melina Panichas, and was the doting

great-grandmother of Ameliana and Alessandro Hernandez. She also leaves behind her niece and

nephew, Maria Kattke Palmieri and Michael Panichas, her sister-in-law, Eleanor Panichas, her

close friend, Tina Demopolus, and many friends; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

extends its deepest condolences to the Panichas Family on the passing of Angela Panichas; and be

it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Denise Panichas, Joan Milas, and George

Panichas Jr.

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