Charles Panciera

Charlie Edward Panciera, Sr. – owner and operator of Ever-Breeze Farm in Dunn’s Corners since 1962, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2016 just shy of his 93rd birthday. He was born in Westerly to the late Angelo and Jennie Panciera. His love of farming began at an early age on the family farm, which in later years became the Tum-A-Lum farm. He and his brothers had a milk route in town where they would deliver fresh milk and eggs to customers twice a day. No refrigerators in the early days! In 1962, he and his wife Marjorie moved to Dunn’s Corners where they had purchased their own farm, Ever-Breeze. Charlie went about milking a herd of Holsteins, while also raising chickens and rabbits which often showed in the local poultry shows. In 1968 he was awarded “Dairyman of the Year” and was awarded the Green Pastures Award at the Eastern States Exposition. He won many awards and blue ribbons with his prized Holsteins. He was also a Beekeeper from a very early age. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of family and wonderful wit. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Marjorie; his daughter Jean Farago; his brothers, Ernest, Silvio, Aldo and Joseph; as well as his sister Florence Marino. He is survived by his children, Marjorie “Chip” Clancy (Joseph) of Cape Cod, and Charles E. Panciera, Jr. (Wanda), Ruth-Ann Strafach (John) and son-in-law Stephen Farago, all of Westerly. He leaves five grandchildren, Kristy Mackin (Seth), Edward Panciera III (Monica Gears), and John (Katie), Peter and Brian Strafach; and a great grandchild Natalie Panciera. Charlie also leaves six step grandchildren and several step great grandchildren. The family would like to especially thank Dad’s great friend and caretaker Jackie Kenyon. Her love, care and compassion for him allowed him to stay in his home on the farm where he loved to be, right up to the last few weeks. We can never thank her enough for all she has done for us, and especially for our dad. The family would also like to thank Dr. Sandoval and the staff at Apple Rehab Clipper for their excellent care and compassion. They all made a very difficult time much easier for all of us and we are so grateful to all of them. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday from 4-7pm at Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 7 Church St., Bradford on Friday at 10am. There is no procession to church from the funeral home. Burial will follow at St. Sebastian Cemetery, Westerly. For online condolences, please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com