Obituary of Joseph C. Panetta

It is with much sadness that we share the passing of Joseph Carmelo Panetta, husband, brother and uncle, on March 19, 2023. He died peacefully in his sleep. Joe was born on October 21, 1957 in Monterey California, along with his twin brother John, to Joseph and Anna Panetta, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Julie, sister Joanna (Anastacio) Medina, his twin brother John Panetta, his uncle, Leon E. Panetta (Sylvia) as well as his nieces Anna Medina (Chad), Brittnie and Gianna Panetta and nephew, Stephen Medina.

Joe lived his entire life on the Monterey Peninsula except for the years away at college in Santa Clara, California. He attended Monte Vista Elementary, San Carlos School, Walter Colton Junior High and graduated from Monterey High School in 1976. Joe then attended Monterey Peninsula College for two years earning an Associate Degree in 1978 followed by two years at Santa Clara University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in 1980. Joe returned to Monterey, working at the Naval Postgraduate School from 1980 to 1986. He worked his way up from busboy to Food and Beverage Manager. In 1983, Joe married Julie DeStefano at San Carlos Cathedral with a reception at the Naval Postgraduate School.

Due to his family’s deep devotion to the law, his father practicing Criminal Defense Law on the peninsula for over 50 years, Joe transferred his focus to law by becoming a police officer. From 1986 to 2002 he served his hometown as a police officer for the Monterey Police Department. He loved many aspects of being a police officer, but he most enjoyed and was proud of his time of walking the beat in Monterey, meeting and engaging with people in the community. He definitely believed in helping people and using the spirit of the law in aiding people who he came into contact with. Joe was a lifetime fan of the San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants.

Private service to be held at Mission Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to his favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.