Final Salute

Stephen C. Panuto

Stephen C. Panuto, 66, of Tiffin, regretfully left this world three days after his birthday June 8, 2015, to be with his parents Dominic and Marge Panuto.

He was born June 5, 1949, in Tiffin. Although he did pass at a relatively young age, it would be wrong to say he lived an unfulfilled life. He married a wonderful woman, Janis (Broughton) Panuto, July 2, 1970, with whom he shared 44 wonderful years.

Stephen is survived by his wife: three children, Chris, Amy and Thomas (Courtney) Panuto; five beautiful grandchildren, Brandon Nye and Gene, Gus, Gretchen and Ryan Panuto; three stepgrandchildren, Austin Pletcher and Chloe and Sophia Gillespie; and one brother, Jeffrey of Columbus. He is survived by his beloved dogs, Tanner and Abby.

While it has to be acknowledged that Steve was a family man who enjoyed being with those he loved, it should also be noted he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy Seabees in 1968, 1969 and 1970. Those who knew Stephen, knew he enjoyed getting involved with the community. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Tiffin and Bettsville, AMVETS, Tiffin Eagles and Tiffin Moose. He loved going out at any opportunity he got to be with his fellow club members and friends. With his involvement with the community, going anywhere would mean crossing paths with someone he knew. To put it simply, he was a people person. Stephen loved being around people and people loved being around him. Stephen’s charismatic personality and great sense of humor made everybody near him smile. Even in his final moments, he was cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. The last thing that has to be mentioned, he was a man of faith, a devout Catholic. He always attended Mass and thanked God for what he was given in his life. There is no question, if there is a heaven, he is there now. Stephen will be missed by everyone that knew and loved him.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday, June 12, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Tiffin. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Friends and family may visit 2-4 p.m. and 68 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2015, at Hufford Family Funeral Home, 1500 Manor Hill Road, Findlay, OH 45840, (419) 422-1500.

Memorial contributions in Stephen’s name may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.huffordfh.com.