Leonard J. Panaggio

Newport, R.I. - Leonard J. Panaggio, 92, of Newport, Rhode Island, died Wednesday, February 1, 2012, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Monique Rouger Panaggio.Born in Newport, R.I., on February 26, 1919, he was the son of the late Pasquale and Sarah DeLuca Panaggio. He graduated from Rogers High School in 1938. He served in the United States Army Air Corps in North Africa for three years. He was editor and publisher of the Newport Topic, a weekly newspaper. He was accepted at Brown University but was offered a position as Director of Public Relations at Old Sturbridge Village for three years, returning to Rhode Island as Chief of the Tourism Promotion Division. He remained in this position for over thirty years promoting the state and especially his beloved Newport. He wrote The Grist Mill for the Newport Daily News for the past thirty years.He was among the first to become a member of The Preservation Society of Newport County and has been a member all his life. He was very active in the promotion of the organization. Len was a member of several professional organizations and numerous historical and civic groups. He was a frequent contributor of articles on New England history to newspapers and magazines and gave illustrated lectures to many organizations.He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Monique Panaggio of Newport, Rhode Island, his son, Leonard C. Panaggio of Middletown, Rhode Island and his daughter, Madeleine J. Panaggio of Newport. He is also survived by his three granddaughters Lauren, Lisa and Lianna Panaggio, a brother, Ronald Panaggio and his wife Vivian of Virginia, and his sister Corinne Peterson of Florida and several nieces and nephews. He also was the brother of the late John Panaggio of Middletown and Pat Panaggio of Maryland.His funeral will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. from the Hambly Funeral Home, 30 Red Cross Avenue, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Saint Marys Church, Spring Street, Newport, Rhode Island. Visiting hours will be on Friday, February 3, from 4-7 p.m. at the Hambly Funeral Home.Burial services will be private.