Donald Brent Panepinto

Donald Brent Panepinto was born on July 2, 1962, in Plaquemine Louisiana. He passed away at age 61 at his home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on April 20, 2024. He courageously fought a long battle with end-stage renal disease and is finally in eternal peace.

Brent grew up and attended high school in Plaquemine, Louisiana. He worked at Dow Chemical, Georgia Gulf, Carbonate Carriers, Plaquemine Glass, and Keebler. He met the mother of his children and one of his best friends (Brenda Panepinto) at age 26 and moved to Illinois to raise his family. During his time there, he worked for International Food Products. Brent’s greatest accomplishments were his children, Donny and Sara, and his granddaughter, “Maddie.” He was a proud and caring father and grandfather.

Brent was a friend to everyone he met and had a knack for remembering everyone’s best qualities. He was known for his big heart and ability make anyone around him laugh, even in the toughest of times. One of Brent’s most endearing qualities was his appreciation of the simple things in life, especially spending time with his family, friends, and his beloved grand cat, Ellwood (aka “Esso”).

In his youth, Brent was a sportsman. He enjoyed water skiing, boat riding, hunting, fishing, listening to good music, and pretty girls. As he matured, he found joy in fishing, hunting, gardening, grilling, and helping others. He helped both of his parents, Tonya and Donnie, with their gardens and took pride in sharing the fruits of their labor with friends and other family members. He loved to hunt and fish with his dad. They hunted from Bayou Grand, fished in Leeville/Golden Meadow (saltwater) and Bayou Sorrel/Bayou Pigeon (freshwater). He also loved yard work, and his mom and dad will miss him and his eagerness to help with their yards. Brent found peace and solace and talked to God while working on the bayou-front property of his son, Donny. Brent never lost his youthful spirit. He was a lifelong fan of Batman and Wonder Woman and had numerous mementos of both.

After he became ill, Brent found comfort in the care of his mother, Tonya, who dedicated herself to making sure he was able to live life to the fullest extent possible. They spent many hours together creating wonderful memories. Because of Tonya’s care, the family was blessed with Brent’s infectious smile, humor, and help with gardens and yard work for much longer than expected. Brent made sure he had the energy to see his family during his illness, bringing treats to his dad at least once a week. The family is forever grateful for Tonya’s devotion.

Brent is survived by his parents, Tonya Agosta Panepinto and Donald Eugene Panepinto, stepmother, Carole Blanchard Panepinto, children, Donald Brent Panepinto II and Sara Panepinto-Weelborg (Trent Weelborg), granddaughter, Madeline Weelborg, sisters Barrye Panepinto Miyagi (Hiko Miyagi) and Wendi Lazzaro Henson (Randy Henson), brother Blake Lazzaro (Pamela Lazzaro) and niece and nephew, Mia and Matt Miyagi.

The family thanks Brent’s doctors, nurses, technicians, and social workers, who worked at Ochsner, Our Lady of the Lake, Louisiana Cardiology Associates, and DaVita. Brent would want to personally thank “Kiki” at DaVita.

Brent was preceded in death by his grandparents, Tony and Helena Agosta and Roy and Elma Panepinto. His grandparents and cousin, Lori Agosta, greeted him at the gates of heaven.

A visitation for Brent will be held on Thursday, April 25, at First United Methodist Church, at 11 am until memorial service at noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Brent to the National Kidney Foundation at https://www.kidney.org/, Capital Area Animal Alliance at https://www.caabr.org/, Cat Haven at https://www.cathaven.org/ or the cat shelter of your choice.