Obituary of Joseph Pantalione

VERSION 1: If humility, honesty, patience, diligence, charity, chastity and temperance serve as the Seven Heavenly Virtues of Life, then let it be said that the mortal world lost one its greatest citizens in the rainy, early-morning hours of Saturday, May 13, 2017 with the quiet passing of Joseph Pantalione, 72, of Vineland. As representative of the unassuming life he lived, his death occurred in the private, peaceful comfort of his home, his wife Sandra - his soulmate - at his bedside as Joe finally succumbed to the ravaging effects of Pancreatic cancer and began a new perpetual life under God's care. While history will show that Joe enjoyed a lifetime of work as a banker, then school bus driver and also a limousine driver before his retirement in 2016, his existence was fully committed to the people in his life; as a loving husband, protective father and grandfather, caring brother to his four siblings, and supportive nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to countless individuals. Joe was born in East Vineland and then his family moved to Landisville through his high school years but spent most of his adult life in the rural, quiet area of East Vineland, a home surrounded by animals and a small garden. He was a graduate of Vineland High School and then began a banking career at Minotola National Bank, eventually became branch manager and a Vice President at Century Federal Savings Bank and also enjoyed assignments at several other banks in the area. After leaving the banking industry, he enjoyed a 27-year career as a school bus driver for The Vineland Public Schools, while also spending some time as a limousine driver. But Joe's focus never waned from his family. Together with his wife and children, he most enjoyed the times surrounded by family and the many special vacations they shared, especially the days camping and antiquing up and down the East Coast. Joe was a proud member of Christ the Good Shepherd Parish in Vineland and was always present at Sunday Mass in St. Isidore Church, where he would regularly seek out family members and friends after each Mass to exchange a hug, a kiss or simple handshake. He was also a member of the New Jersey Mustang Club. He is predeceased by his son, Jonathan L. Pantalione, mother and father, Michael A. And Margaret F. (Amari) Pantalione, and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Philip and Mary Alice Ruel; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Survivors include Sandra, his wife of 53 years, son, Jesse R. Pantalione and wife Mary (Colon); grandchildren, Ian Joseph and Nina Cassandra Pantalione; siblings, Joan (Pantalione) Fussell and husband, Harry; Michael I. Pantalione and wife, Therese (Barker); Anna P. (Pantalione) McDonald and husband, Dennis; Marguerite (Pantalione) Glogau, and husband, Eric; Sister-in-law, Rosalie F. Labrecque; a special 49-year mentoring relationship with Joseph (Rocky) Quinn through Big Brothers/Big Sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews throughout South Jersey and New England. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 am at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish (Saint Isidore's Church), 1655 Magnolia Road on Wednesday, May 17 with a Mass of Christian Burial immediately following the viewing. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery following the church services. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Cumberland County SPCA or Heartland Hospice.