Robert Joseph Panela

Robert Joseph Panela Portsmouth, - Robert Joseph Panela, 57, of 30 Warcan Way, Portsmouth, died Wednesday, August 11, 2004, at the Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. Born in Bronx, NY, on January 14, 1947, he was the son of the late Bob A. Panela and Iraida Alvarez Panela of Portsmouth, RI. Mr. Panela had worked as a watch maker for Bulova Watch Corporation in New York, for 20 years, retiring in 1972. He was a Communicant of St. Anthonys Church. He holds a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Karate. He enjoyed reading educational books. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing ?Flag Football? in New York leagues. Besides his mother he is survived by a sister Eneida DeJesus of Portsmouth, RI, a brother in law Raymond DeJesus of Portsmouth, RI, a nephew Robert A. DeJesus of Gilbert, AZ, a niece SSgt. Denise M. DeJesus USAF of Germany, a niece Melissa A. DeJesus of Portsmouth, RI, and an aunt Adrianna Alvarez of Portsmouth, RI.His funeral will be held Monday, August 16, at 9:00 AM from the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in St. Anthonys Church, 2836 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will be in St. Columba Catholic Cemtery, Brown?s Lane, Middletown. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, New England Affiliate, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA, 01701-4688, or to Visiting Nurse Services Of Newport Bristol Counties, 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI, 02871.