Obituary of Joseph Vincent Panepinto

Dr. Joseph Vincent Panepinto, 80, of Morgantown, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at his home surrounded by family and friends.

He was born in Elm Grove on September 27, 1937 to Luigi and Catrina Bellanca Panepinto. He has lived in Morgantown for 55 years.

Dr. Panepinto attended West Virginia University, earning a B.A. in Psychology, Master’s degrees in Rehabilitation Counseling and Psychology and his Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology. He was a licensed Clinical Psychologist in WV and PA.  He served as a Psychologist in the United States Army from 1960-1962. He was an Adjunct Professor in the WVU Department of Psychology and a Clinical Associate Professor in the WVU, School of Medicine, Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry since 1967.  From 1967-1984 he served as Associate Executive Officer and Clinical Director of Valley Community Mental Health Center (now Valley Healthcare Systems) and CEO from 1984-1994. He was a Senior Consultant for Ramsay Health Care, Inc. from 1994-1998 and Vice President of Clinical Services at Seneca Health Services from 1998-2007. From 2007-2014 he was President of Panepinto & Associates, a Behavioral Health Consulting practice.  Dr. Panepinto was dedicated to his activities in the Rotary Club in Summersville, WV and the Morgantown Rotary Club of which he was a member since July, 2006. He served as President in 2014 and attended the International Rotary Conference in Sydney, Australia. He was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.  He also served on the WV Board of Examiners of Psychologists (Gubernatorial Appointment), WV Behavioral Healthcare Providers Association (2 term President), Chair, Governor’s Commission on Drug Abuse and Prevention, WV Psychological Association and American Psychological Association.  Dr. Panepinto was catholic by faith and attended St. John University Parish in Morgantown. 

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 45 years, Dr. Ruth Ann Panepinto; three sons, Louis Daniel Panepinto (Deborah Jo Walden), David Joseph Panepinto (Andrea Gwen), and Phillip Andre Panepinto (Heather Weaver); a surrogate daughter, Karol Lyn Waszczak Carter (Lewis); grandchildren, Alicia Nicole (Panepinto) Mendoza (Niola Nikel), Eric Daniel Panepinto (Alysa Marie Frank), Kylie Danielle (Panepinto) Stansberry (Zackery Michael), Nicholas David Panepinto,  Deanna Faith Panepinto, Cameron Reid Panepinto, Peter Lewis Carter, Benjamin Leo Carter; great-grandchildren, Nylina Nicole Mendoza, Nyvonni Ray Mendoza, Angelina Desiree’ Mendoza, and Lillian Rose Panepinto; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends, Dr. Dwight Harshbarger, Dr. Ruby de la Mata, Pat Davidson, sister-in-law Marlena Thomas, and brother-in-laws Joe Dallison and Rod Thomas.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Adolph Panepinto and wife Bebe; sisters, Josephine Panepinto Walton and husband Joseph, Carmella Panepinto Dallison, Anne Mae Panepinto Katona and husband John, and Frances Panepinto Crouch.

The family would like to offer their special thanks to the caring staff of Amedysis Hospice.

In accordance with his wishes, Hastings Funeral Home will be providing cremation services.

A memorial service will be held at the Erickson Alumni Center, 1 Alumni Drive, Morgantown, on Saturday, November 11, 2017 from 1:00 pm until the Celebration of Life at 2:00 pm.  A private graveside service will be held at Pleasant Hills Cemetery with Reverend Reba Thurmond officiating.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rotary Club of Morgantown, P.O. Box 411, Morgantown, WV  26507. 

Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com  

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