Domenic Joseph Pannitto

Domenic Joseph Pannitto, 92, of Cleveland Ohio and Orlando, Florida, left us peacefully on March 30, 2025, at his Orlando home in the presence of his cherished wife Mary and son Mark. A beloved husband and father, Domenic, “Dom,” or “Coach” will always be remembered for his kindness and joyful spirit.

Born on March 2, 1933 in Monacilioni, Italy, Dom grew up the son of  Joseph and Frances Pannitto and brother to Anthony Pannitto. Domenic’s family settled in the United States in 1935 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Domenic graduated from Collinwood High school in Cleveland, Ohio in 1953 where he excelled in football, basketball and baseball.  He attended Mt. Union College where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree.  His time at Mt. Union was interrupted by being drafted into the army for the Korean War. He returned to Mt. Union after his tour of duty to complete his degree. He continued his education at Cleveland State where he received a Masters degree.

On September 18,1965 Dom married the love of his life, Mary Vasiliou. The two shared a romance that lasted nearly 60 years and yielded two children Domenic Michael Pannitto and Mark Anthony Pannitto. Domenic is survived by his wife Mary and their two sons, Domenic and Mark.

 A proud teacher and varsity basketball coach, Dom began his career at Max  Hayes Vocational High School in Cleveland, in 1959. He taught history, health and physical education. Dom believed that every child had potential and sought to help as many young people and athletes as he could.

He continued his teaching and coaching career in North Olmsted, Ohio until his retirement in 1997, after 38 years of teaching and coaching. Domenic was granted the Golden Deeds Award by the Greater Cleveland Basketball Coaches Association in 1997 and was inducted into the Collinwood High School Hall of Fame in 2002.

A service to celebrate Domenic’s life will be held on, Friday, May 16, 2025 at Bushnell Florida National Cemetery at 1:00 PM. A Celebration of life will be held in Cleveland, Ohio at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project or Mt. Union University Athletic Fund.

A reception will follow at Papa Joe’s Italian Restaurant  644 Spring Lake Highway, Brooksville, Fl 34601.

Please share any cherished memories or stories about Dom on this website. The family would like to create a journal of his life memories and experiences.

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