The Honorable George T. Panichas - Lincoln

He was the husband of Angela (Chiavaras) Panichas for 57 years. A decorated Air Force veteran of World War II, Mr. Panichas was long devoted to veteran’s affairs as well as to his Greek-American heritage. He served as a tail gunner in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, completing 50 missions over enemy occupied Europe. He received the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, three battle stars for service in the European Theatre, the Presidential Unit Citation with oak leaf cluster, and a personal citation from the commanding general of the 15th Air Force.

In 1970 Mr. Panichas was elected as a Democrat to the Rhode Island House of Representatives (District 78-Pawtucket) where he served for 14 years until his retirement from the Legislature in 1984. During his tenure he served on the House committees of Finance, Labor and Health, Education and Welfare in addition to assignments related to veterans. He was a longtime member of the Democratic State Committee and Executive Committee. He attended every Democratic National Convention from 1964-2008. His election as the first Greek-American to hold state office in Rhode Island symbolized his long devotion to his cultural heritage. Throughout his career, Mr. Panichas was one of a small handful of national leading figures in the Greek lobby significantly influencing causes on behalf of Greece, Cyprus and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. In 1975 he accompanied U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell of Rhode Island on a fact-finding mission to Cyprus and thereafter annually attended many White House events and met with members of Congress and Cabinet level officials.

As a real estate and international investment broker, Mr. Panichas represented or consulted with several major Greek companies including Aristotle Onassis Co., Metallurgiki-Halkyps S.A., Greek Power Company, Erogon, Drac Oil Co., Netsos Shipping, and Greek Industrial Development Bank. He was also consultant to major corporations in New York, Paris, London and Mexico including the Loews Corporation, Rollins Corporation, Times Mirror Corporation, Hallmark Cards, Heritage Cable TV, Star Markets, and Providence and Worcester Railroad. He was a developer of homes and shopping centers.

In addition to service in the Rhode Island General Assembly, Mr. Panichas’ community activities included treasurer of the Rhode Island Cancer Council, member of the 401st Bomb Group Association, 97th Air Force Association, 8th Air Force Association, 15th Air Force Association, the Pawtucket Veteran's Memorial Committee, chair of the 1973 Pawtucket Heart Fund and Master Mason-Overseas Lodge and Shriner, Rhode Island. Most recently Mr. Panichas was a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans Affairs where he served as chair of the Veterans Memorial Cemetery subcommittee in Exeter and successfully advocated for significant expansions and improvements. In October 2008, the state of Rhode Island dedicated the Veterans Memorial Cemetery administration building in honor of Mr. Panichas. In 2009 he was awarded an honorary degree, Doctor of Philosophy, from the American University of Athens, Greece, where he served on the board of directors. Mr. Panichas was a lifelong member of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Pawtucket where he served as Parish Council president and member of the Board of Trustees.

Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late Thomas and Despina (Kanellopoulos) Panichas. He leaves his sister, Tula (Panichas) Kattke and brother, Anthony T. Panichas. He was the brother of the late James T. Panichas. He leaves his two daughters, Denise Panichas of Woonsocket and Joan (Panichas) Milas of Lincoln and her husband Mathew and their children Angela and Michael; and his son, George T. Panichas Jr. of Woonsocket and his wife Anastasia and their children George III and Melina.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours Sunday, Feb. 28 and Monday, March 1, from 4-8 p.m. at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 97 Walcott St., Pawtucket. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 2 at 10 a.m. from the church and a burial with military honors at Swan Point Cemetery, Providence to follow. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the RI Veterans Home Chaplaincy Fund, 480 Metacom Avenue, Bristol RI 02809 or the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Pawtucket Endowment Fund.