Leo Panas

Leo Panas, 99, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Lowell General Hospital, Saints Campus, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Anne (Quinn) Panas with whom he shared 66 years of marriage.

He was born in Lowell MA on May 20, 1924. Son of Greek immigrant parents Garafalia (Arvanites) and Demetrius Panagopoulos. Leo grew up in the Acre section of Lowell where many lifelong friendships began within the close community. After graduating from Lowell High, he was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army. Leo served meritoriously as a front-line combat soldier with the 36th Texas Division during WWII in Africa, Italy, France, Bavaria and Germany. Surviving the infamous Rapido River crossing, later wounded in action in Monte Cassino, Italy. Leo was a proud recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge and French Medal of Honor for his service.

Upon return to the states, Leo graduated from Mass College of Art, Fitchburg State College and attended Boston University. Initially, became a traveling art teacher for the Lowell Public Schools where he met the love of his life Anne. Later Leo was hired by the Commonwealth of Mass to form and organize an art department at Lowell Teachers College (now UMASS Lowell) where he taught for 30 years as a Professor of Art History. He also taught classes at Northeastern University for 15 years. Among his professional experiences Leo also served as past president of the Whistler Museum, brought murals to the city of Lowell with Community Teamwork, wrote two books about the Greek and Irish immigrants of Lowell, created religious iconography for local churches, was an amazing artist and a popular sports cartoonist for the Lowell Sun. Sports were always a hot topic at home especially when it came to Leo and his St. Louis Cardinals team.

His appreciation for art and travel became a lifelong pursuit lovingly shared with his family. Summers in Ireland, a 4-month tour of Europe, hair- raising pontoon boat ride to the Blasket Islands, exploring the village of Stupa, Greece tracing family roots are just a sample of priceless experiences. Leo did make a special solo trip to Mt. Athos in Greece to observe and study the silent monks. He documented the trip in his journal and painted special scenes upon returning home. Leo was a good friend to many. He enjoyed his breakfast buddies, not for the food, but for the conversation and comradery. At age 85, Leo stepped forward to fulfill a dual role of father/grandfather to make sure his grandchildren felt loved and continued to have a positive male influence after the loss of their own dad. He happily attended school functions, graduations, never missed watching sport events, and arrived every Sunday morning with donuts to sit at the table with his grandchildren. A true hero.

In addition to his loving wife, Leo leaves his children, Vera Panas-Clauson of Chelmsford, Lee Panas of Chelmsford, and Deirdre Panas of Middletown, DE; three grandchildren, Andrew Clauson (Victoria) of Chelmsford, Charlotte McLaughlin (Brendan) of Milford, NH, and Mathew Leo Clauson of Chelmsford; and two great- grandchildren, Addison McLaughlin, and Tommy Clauson (who brought a bright light to Papa.)

Leo was predeceased by his sisters, Diana Panagopoulos, and Catherine Sullivan, and his son-in-law Jon Clauson.

Leos memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM in the Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home, 24 Worthen St., Chelmsford. Interment will be held privately. Memorial donations may be made in his name to DAV.org (Disabled American Veterans) or HEART.org (American Heart Association).

Service Details
Memorial Service
When
January 13, 2024 10:00am
Location
Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home
Address
24 Worthen Street
Chelmsford, MA 01824