Gerald Panella

Gerald James Panella, age 86 of Manchester, NJ died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, June 5, 2023.  Born on July 9, 1936, and raised in Newark, Jerry, as he was known to all, was the son of the late Michael and Josephine (Sabatino) Panella. After graduating from Barringer High School he enlisted in the Air Force and served for 2 years.  He spent many years as a bus driver for what is now NJ Transit and then became a truck driver for several different trucking companies before retiring.  His younger years were spent raising his family while owning and showing Palomino horses.  In addition to his love of horses he was a die-hard Mets and Giants fan.

He is survived by his wife Donna (nee Musgrave), his children Lori Jones (Larry), Michael (Mary), Patrick (Lucia), Kevin (Theresa), Anthony and preceded in death by his son Gerald, his 11 grandchildren Tim Kelly, Craig, Sean, Michael, Gabriella, Bianca, Alex, LJ, Gerard, Kacey Rae and Ciro and 11 Great-Grandchildren Aidan, Addison, Tristan, Ian, Seth, Riley, Oliver, Ciana, James, Lily, Elizabeth. He is also survived by his sister Anne Nest, sister-in-law Pam Hauschild; nieces Renee Towell, nephew Dr. Daniel Maenner, Darlene, Joseph, and Jason Hauschild, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023, from 5pm – 8pm at Horizon Funeral & Cremation Services 1329 Rt. 37 West, Toms River NJ 08755

Burial services will remain private.