West Orange Mourns Beloved Military Veteran, Ralph Panciello

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A longtime West Orange resident and one of the most well-known military veterans in the township, Ralph Panciello, died last week. He was 93.

According to his obituary, Panciello was born and raised in Orange before moving to West Orange 60 years ago. He worked as a machinist for Lock Joint Pipe Company in East Orange, and “proudly served in the United States Army during World War II.” He was the Commander of the Glennon –Sayers VFW Post #376, a member of the West Orange Elks BPOE #1590, and former Deputy Mayor of West Orange Township.

Visiting will be held on Tuesday, March 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange, 340 Main Street. A funeral Mass will be offered on Wednesday, March 17 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 44 Benvenue Avenue in West Orange. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Panciello’s name to: Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

West Orange town officials shared a message of mourning on Friday:

“The West Orange community mourns the passing of long-time resident and VFW Post 376 Commander Ralph Panciello [on Thursday]. Ralph faithfully served the veterans of West Orange for many years. His passing also marks the 100th year anniversary of the Glennon-Sayers VFW Post 376 in West Orange. R.I.P. Ralph. Thanks for everything.”

The town’s social media post inspired several other messages in memory of Panciello. Seen online:

• “He was the nicest man. He did a tremendous job each year in helping with the Memorial Day ceremonies. I last saw him when the traveling replica of the Vietnam wall was in West Orange. A true patriot and family man.”
• “Thank you, Ralph, and our community is even better because you were true West Orange.”
• “Great guy ... proud to be a veteran and always there to help other veterans and recognize the achievements of many West Orange Scouts.”
• “Ralph was a beautiful human being. A friend to all and a credit to our township. I was proud to know him. May he rest in peace.”

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