Samuel Charles Panzino of Battlement Mesa died Friday, Dec. 20, 2002, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Denver. He was 59.

Mr. Panzino was born June 17, 1943, in Tucson, Ariz., to Louis and Flora Rovito. He grew up in Vineland, N.J.

He served for four years in the U.S. Navy.

He was formerly married to Helen Panzino. They were divorced.

He married Frances Decker Allen on June 6, 1981, at Mays Landing, N.J.

Mr. Panzino served for nine years in the Mays Landing Volunteer Rescue Squad. He was a resident of Battlement Mesa for the past four years and worked in maintenance for the Battlement Mesa Co.

He was a practical joker, and enjoyed crafting Indian walking sticks, pipes, tomahawks, peace pipes, spears and other items.

Mr. Panzino is survived by his wife, Frances Panzino of Battlement Mesa; by his parents, Louis and Flora Panzino of Vineland, N.J.; by daughters Nancy Leon of Vineland, Barbie Panzino of Elmer, N.J., and Linda Schoonmaker of East Windsor, N.J.; by stepdaughter Kathy Witte of Battlement Mesa; by stepsons Patrick Allen of Battlement Mesa, and Frank Allen of Egg Harbor, N.J.; by a brother, Joseph Panzino of Vineland; by a sister, Tangie Andreoli of Newfield, N.J.; and by eight grandchildren.

Cremation has taken place, and Mr. Panzino’s ashes will be spread by his family.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5, at the Battlement Mesa Activity Center. Friends and neighbors are invited to speak.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Panzino family.