Michael J. Panarelli

Michael “Mike” Panarelli, 77, died March 17, 2026, peacefully in his sleep. Mike grew up in North Weymouth and was a life-time resident of the South Shore. He was the son of the late Michael J. and Margaret Panarelli.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Mary (Noonan) Panarelli, his sisters Maureen Creney and her deceased husband Francis Creney, and Judith Hommel and her partner, Jerry Howell. Mike leaves four sons – Robert and his wife Jenny, James and his wife Lynette, Steven and his wife Anna, and Michael and his husband John, and four grandchildren, Asa, Isolde, Hazel and Ruby. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins.

Mike met Mary at St. Jerome’s church in May,1966, but chose not to date her, until baseball season was over that fall. Mike graduated Weymouth Vocational Technical High School in 1967 and joined the Sheet Metal Workers Local 17 until he retired at age 55. Mike was a Master Sheetmetal Worker, well-respected for his deep knowledge, superb craftsmanship, and integrity. He trained many apprentices during his career.

Mike married Mary in 1971, five years after that first baseball season ended and after playing softball on their wedding day. They happily settled down in Norwell and started their family. His pride in his four sons was epic. He loved each of them deeply and uniquely. He recognized their individual talents and never missed an opportunity to encourage, teach and tease them. He believed that they would learn all they needed to know about life through good sportsmanship, not being afraid to get their hands dirty and to take the very best care of their loved ones.

Robert embraced Mike’s love of good food, wine and appreciated his courage to modify his diet to improve his own health. Like Mike he is a dog whisperer.

Jim is a copycat of his Dad in many ways. He loves his family and likes gardening.

Steven shares his love of woodworking design. He trained as a luthier and is a committed environmentalist. His love of the outdoors prompted him to raise his family in Homer, Alaska.

Michael inherited his work ethic, working for and being promoted within the same company for 27 years. He enjoyed sporting events and touching the Red Sox World Series trophy with his Dad.

Mike’s passion for sports started at an early age, when his Dad coached youth baseball. Mike followed in his father’s footsteps, coaching little league for many years. In high school he played baseball so well, he was invited to play a game at Fenway Park. He was asked to play for the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals. Instead, he chose Mary, the love of his life, over pro sports. He broke league records in bowling, got a Hole In One with is aging, golf skills and continued playing in a senior softball league, only quitting when his body stopped behaving. More recently he spent Fridays with friends playing cribbage and reveled in his “big” Keno win of $100.

Mike was a farmer at heart. His garden was his “happy place.” His grandfather Nicola taught him well; “Grow enough food to share with those you love.” Family, friends and neighbors benefited from the fruits of his labor. In addition to sharing his green thumb tricks, he raised chickens, pigs, and enjoyed making wine and liqueurs.

Mike believed in his country and being of service to others. He served six years in the National Guard.

For years, he and a retired friend created and built over 100 “buggies,” a PVC water safe beach and snow wheelchair, enabling children with physical challenges to have access to fun activities with their families.

Mike could design or build anything with his hands and bestowed family and friends with beautiful gifts, both metal and wooden hand-crafted items. While initially shy, he loved to laugh. He had a quick wit and never missed the chance to tease loved ones. He gave “special gifts” to family members and laughed watching their faces as they unwrapped them.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 28th at Saint Christine’s Church in Marshfield (1295 Main Street, Marshfield) at 10:00 a.m. Immediately following there will be a Celebration of Life at 11:30 a.m. at the VFW Scituate (736 Chief Justice Cushing Highway). Please join us to honor and celebrate Mike. Informal attire is appropriate, as Mike would have liked it.

Memorial Contributions are welcomed in lieu of flowers to the organizations below: You may click on the links to donate.

Norwell Little League Funds will be specifically dedicated per Mike’s request. All donations will be directed to defray the costs of registration fees, gloves and anything else to ensure all team players can participate fully, feeling welcomed and included. www.norwelllittleleague.com

Scituate Etrusco Or you may donate to Scituate Etrusco – a non-profit organization, run by volunteers that loans out durable medical equipment free of charge to 14 towns located on the South Shore of Massachusetts.  www.scituateetrusco.org