Col. Johnnie A. Pantanelli

[ironputts]

February 5, 2023

Col. Johnnie A. Pantanelli
Col. Johnnie Panatelli Composite Squadron
New York Wing

"Johnnie" Joan Pantanelli was born March 1, 1925 to Thomas Elwood and Augustine Adkins of Connecticut. When they divorced, her mother re-married Walter Kenneth Theall. Johnnie grew up in Scarsdale, NY with her mother (Augustine Theall), adoptive-father (Walter Kenneth Theall), sister (Patricia Theall), and brother (George Adkins). She graduated from Scarsdale High School in 1943 and went on to study aeronautical engineering at New York University. During this time, World War II was in full swing. Looking to contribute, Johnnie joined the Marine Corps Reserves and Civil Air Patrol, where she helped with reconnaissance missions, looking for submarines off the East Coast. When the war was over, Johnnie knew she wanted to fly airplanes. She spent her weekdays working at the Warwick Country Club and using the wages and tips to rent an airplane on the weekends so she could learn to fly. She got her pilot's license in 1947.
Johnnie also loved motorcycles, despite her parents' discontent, as it was not a proper hobby for a lady of her time. She was a member of the Motor Maids of America, and met her to-be husband at the motorcycle shop in White Plains, where he was a mechanic. They also worked together for General Electric building bomb-bay motors. She married John Pantanelli June 7, 1952 and moved to White Plains, NY. In 1956, they welcomed their son, John-Pierre Pantanelli.
Johnnie and her husband owned a motorcycle shop, but eventually closed it and moved on to opening a scaffolding company, Swing Staging Inc., in New York City. After her husband passed in 1987, Johnnie's son took over management, and the two of them worked together to run the company for over 40 years. Well into her 80s and 90s, she made the commute to the city to work alongside her son. Early on, her no-nonsense attitude earned her the job of making collection calls, but she was later known for making sure the office supplies were ordered and that the candy dish was always full. Swing Staging grew to become one of the largest privately-owned suspended-scaffolding companies in the United States.
Outside of work, Colonel Johnnie Pantanelli maintained an unwavering commitment to Civil Air Patrol (CAP - a volunteer auxiliary of the Air Force) and the Northeast Composite Squadron. She most cherished working with the cadets and often commented that "working with the young people keeps you young" and that "these kids are the leaders of the future. " In 1970, she pulled an unconscious man from a burning car, saving his life. For this, Civil Air Patrol awarded her a Bronze Medal of Valor. In 2014, when the United States Congress awarded Civil Air Patrol with a Congressional Gold Medal, she was one of 327 recipients. About that time, and in honor of her being one of the longest serving members of the organization, the squadron she commanded was renamed, becoming the Col Johnnie Pantanelli Composite Squadron. She faithfully attended their weekly Wednesday night meetings until November 11, 2022.
She was also a guitarist and singer, and was never one to shy away from a microphone. As a devout Catholic, she sang Baritone in the Church Choir for over 50 years at Our Lady of Sorrows Church. She was also a member of the Ladies Guild there, which focused on charitable community outreach.
Her son and grandchildren knew her for her generosity, incredibly sharp mind, matter-of-fact persona, and love of family gatherings around the holidays. She loved to sing "Be Not Afraid" and "Amazing Grace" with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her favorite singing partner was her grandson, Rafaello. She banged pots and pans on her front porch to ring in the New Year, and loved to toast with a glass of Reisling, on ice.
On January 14, 2023, she passed away with her grand-daughter (Lia Barberis), grandson-in-law (Andrew Barberis), and loving caregiver (Etchel) by her side. In her final hours, in true "Johnnie" fashion, it was her imperative to call everyone and say "It's time to say goodbye now. I love you."
She is predeceased by her husband (John Pantanelli), mother (Augustine Theall), father (George Adkins Sr.), brother (George Adkins), and adoptive father (Walter Theall). She is survived by her half-sister (Patricia Theall), son (John-Pierre Pantanelli) and daughter-in-law (Sonya Pantanelli), her four grandchildren (Seth, Michaelangelo, and Rafaello Pantanelli & Lia Barberis), and four great grand-children (Amelia and Gwen Pantanelli, Ariana and Preston Barberis).

Col. Pantanelli WW2 article

WW2 veteran CBS video