Robert C. Panaccio Sr.

PANACCIO

Robert C. “Bob” Panaccio, Sr., of Valley Forge and formerly of Newtown Square, passed away on December 17, 2025. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and consummate gentleman. Bob lived a life defined by devotion to family, faith, and service to others. He was a devoted and faithful Catholic layman, who lived deeply his baptismal calling.

Husband of the late Marta (nee Liberato), son of the late Julia (nee Frasetta) and Charles Panaccio.

Survived by his children Dr. Robert “Bob” C. Panaccio, Jr. (Tammy), Nancy Panaccio Hercer (Mark); his grandson A. Zachary Hercer (Allison); his sisters Carole (late William) Gordon, Elinor (late Nicholas) Ettorre and many loving nieces and nephews.

Born in Philadelphia, Bob graduated from Central High School in 1954 and Saint Joseph’s College in 1958. He went on to earn his master’s degree in psychology from Bryn Mawr College in 1963. Early in his career, he practiced at Byberry Hospital before securing federal funding through the Community Mental Health Act of 1963. With this support, he became the founding member of the Northwest Center in Mt. Airy one of Philadelphia’s first human service providers.

Under his leadership, the Northwest Center grew into Northwestern Human Services Corporation, where Bob served as CEO for 20 years. His vision and dedication helped transform it into one of the largest nonprofit human service organizations in the nation.

In his later years, Bob continued his commitment to service by founding Criticare Home Health and Nursing Services LLC www.criticareplus.com in Chadds Ford. Today, Criticare stands as one of the most respected family-owned nursing and home health companies in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

A 30-year member of Aronimink Golf Club, Bob’s grit, self-made success, and professional accomplishments were admired by many, but his deepest devotion was always to his late wife Marta, children, Bob Jr., Nancy, and grandson Zachary who were the source of his greatest pride.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at St. Katharine of Siena Church, 104 S. Aberdeen Ave., Wayne, PA 19087 from 9:30 to 10:45 AM. Funeral Mass at 11 AM officiated by his nephew and godson, Most Reverend Gregory W. Gordon, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Las Vegas, and priest concelebrants.

Interment SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery.

Contributions: St. Katherine of Siena at the above address.

ARR. DANJOLELL MEMORIAL HOME

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