David L. Panici

Panici, David L.

Died tragically in a motor vehicle accident at the age of 65 while in Naples, Florida on Wednesday, March 2, 2002. He will longingly be remembered by his wife of 40 years, Mardi Panici (Miller); and will be dearly missed by his children Leah Wendling (Eric) and Tony Panici (Colleen); 4 beautiful granddaughters Katherine, Caroline, Marie, and Madeline; sisters Peg Panici and Penny Krepps (Clyde); many brothers and sisters-in-law and nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. He is preceded in death by his mother Marisue Panici and father Lewis Panici.

Dave was born in Muskegon, Michigan and attended Muskegon High School where he lettered in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He then went on to play football and baseball at Grand Valley State University, where he also earned his degree in education. He spent most of his life residing in Lansing, Michigan working for the Lakewood, Waverly, Sexton, and Eastern Schools. However, the highlight of his career was the time he spent coaching, mentoring, and becoming the Athletic Director at Lansing Eastern High School where he developed an iconic reputation for promoting Lansing-area athletics. Over his career he coached football, baseball and girls and boys golf.

He spent 25 years as a MHSAA Men's Basketball official where he had the chance to officiate many great games, including the Lansing Waverly vs East Lansing games hosted at the Breslin Center. He was also instrumental in youth sports in the area as a coach, mentor, and ultimately helping form and operate the Greater Lansing Amateur Golf Association whose mission is to stimulate charitable contributions to advance Junior golf in the greater Lansing area. Finally, Dave founded, operated, and then sold the Panici Agency, a Meemic Insurance Company that provided favorable rates and benefits to his fellow educators.

While Dave was active in the community, he was a family man first. He coached both Leah and Tony through youth sports and would never miss a game or event as a spectator. He enjoyed spending his summers on Clarklake with friends and family. He never missed a chance to get out on the golf course or take his wife on a drive for fun.  Once retired Dave finally got the highlight of his twilight, spending summers on Clarklake and recently purchased his "dream home" on Marco Island, Florida vowing to never shovel snow again.

The Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at St. Rita Catholic Church, 10516 Hayes Rd., Clarklake, MI, 49234 with Reverend Thomas Helfrich, O.S.F.S. officiating.

The family will receive guests Friday, March 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Desnoyer Funeral Home, 204 N. Blackstone St., Jackson, MI 49201.

For those who wish to contribute may do so on Dave's behalf to the Clark Lake Spirit Foundation at PO Box 224, Clarklake, MI 49234.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned For 132 Years