Richard Paul Panko Sr., age 79, died on June 13, 2021, at 1:10 am at Texas Health Fort Worth after fighting a 5-year battle with cancer. Richard was born on December 3, 1941, in Passaic, New Jersey. He served in the United States Air Force as an Airman First Class and retired from GTE (Verizon) after over 35 years of service. Richard enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, watching football, and had a wonderful sense of humor. His smile and laughter will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his daughter Barbara Jean Panko-Beighle (granddaughters Faith and Hope) of Lexington, Kentucky, son Richard Paul Panko Jr. (wife Sandra and grandchildren Chalee, Callie, Caydon, Reese, Reagan) of Weatherford, Texas, daughter Nadia Soheila Stadler (husband Michael) of Fort Worth, Texas, daughter Monika Ann Weddle (husband Zack) of Wylie, Texas and daughter Laura May Martin (grandchildren Aubrey, Cutter and Layton) of Graham, Texas, the mother of his children Helga Gerda Cross of Jacksboro, Texas, and siblings Albert Matulevich Jr. of Zelienople, PA, Janice Gallagher of Emmaus, PA, Nancy Jones of Belcamp, MD, Jon Matulevich of St. Clair, PA and Georgine Klinger of St. Clair, PA.
Richard was preceded in death by his father Albert Matulevich Sr., mother Helen Matulevich, grandmother Mary Panko, grandfather Nicholas Panko, uncle Andrew Panko, cousin Nicholas Panko and brother Michael Matulevich.
The family will receive friends to celebrate Richard’s life on Monday, June 21 from 7:00-9:00 pm at Bean Massey Burge Funeral Home. Guests are invited to dress in business casual style attire and to bring many fond memories to share. Graveside service and military honors will be rendered at 11:30am on Tuesday at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Richard’s name to the American Cancer Society or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
