Otto J. Panara

1935-2025

Otto J. Panara, 89, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025 at the Rome Hospital with his loving family by his side.  He was born in Rome on November 1, 1935, son of Otto and Rose Stewart Panara. He was a graduate of Rome Free Academy, MVCC and Utica University.  On October 20, 1973 he was united in marriage to Judith Tagliaferri at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, a blessed union of 51 years.

   From 1958-1960 Otto served in the United States Army, stationed in Korea, and was honorably discharged. Upon his return home he worked in the family business, Superior Dry Cleaners, until his appointment to the Rome Police Department.  On July 31, 1965 he was appointed Patrolman to the Rome Police Department; January 14, 1978 promoted to Sergeant; May 23, 1987 promoted to Lieutenant; July 30, 1988 promoted to Captain; July 17, 1995 promoted to Deputy Chief; July 11, 2004 promoted to Chief of Police and on November 29, 2005 retired as Chief of Police due to mandatory age requirement.

   Otto was a parishioner of St. Peter’s Church, member of The Philip S. McDonald Police Benevolent Association, life member of Rome Elks Lodge No. 96, member United Fire and Police Retirees Association, past member NYS Chiefs of Police Association, Toccolana Club and Rome Polish Home.  

   Being with family was very important to him and he cherished his special vacations traveling with his son Christopher and his wife Judy. He enjoyed and held so many fond memories of their family vacations to Cape Cod with his sister-in-law Eleanor and her family.  He was so proud of his antique cars and attended numerous car shows.  He also enjoyed listening to Opera, reading and doing jigsaw puzzles.

   Otto is survived by his wife Judith, his son Christopher S. Brady, Westernville; brother Thomas (Bonnie) Panara, Sherrill; Sister Natalie Tamburrino, Rome; special nieces Teresa (Mark) O’Shaughnessy, Bronxville, NY and Debra Mondi, Rome; great-nieces Olivia O’Shaughnessy, New York City and Remi O’Shaughnessy, Bronxville, NY; great-nephew Frank J. Mondi, Oklahoma; nephews James Tamburrino, Larry Tamburrino (Kim), niece Lori Tamburrino, great-nephews Michael and Ryan Tamburrino, great-nephew Anthony Tamburrino, niece Keri (Darren) MicClon, Maine and great-niece Ellie Rose MicClon. Otto was predeceased by his parents Otto and Rose Panara; his in-laws Louis and Teresa Tagliaferri; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Joseph and Eleanor Coniglio and brother-in-law Lawrence Tamburrino.

   The family would like to thank The Rome Police Department, Rome Fire Department, 

Dr. Jennifer Lavasa-Cesana, Dr. Richard J. Sullivan, Rome VA, Rome Hospital, 2 East, and Eastern Star Home.  A Mass of Christian Burial with Military Honors will be celebrated on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 11a.m. for family and friends at St. Peter’s Church, with Rev. Sean P. O’Brien as celebrant.  Family will greet relatives and friends from 10-11 a.m. before the mass.  Private Interment will be held in the spring at St. John’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Rome Police Department and Rome Fire Department.

   Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bottini Funeral Home, 120 W. Embargo Street.

   You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy online at: www.bottinifuneralhome.com.