Gerald Panfen

Gerald "Guerns" Panfen, 85, of Fort Mill, passed away Saturday, August 10, with his loving family by his side. Born March 26, 1939, in Trenton, NJ, he was the son of the late Joseph and Lucy Salmastrelli Panfen. Gerald served his country in the U.S. Navy and went on to work for the city of Trenton as a fireman. He retired as a captain after 30 years of service. Gerald enjoyed golfing, spending time at the beach, the casino, horse races and watching sports of any kind; however, he was most fond of spending time with his adoring grandchildren. Gerald was a dedicated care taker to his late wife, Eleanor Higham Panfen, who passed away in January 2014.

Gerald is survived by his daughters: Justine Mathews and her husband, Ryan, of Tega Cay, SC, and Katie Securcher and her husband, Chris, of Wake Forest, NC; grandchildren: Riley, Aaron, Jason, Kevin, Reid and Ellie; sister, Joan Flagg and her husband, George; and many more loving family and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Gerald was preceded in death by his brother, Nick Panfen and his wife, Lee.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local fire department.

The family would like to share a special "Thank You" to the staff members of Providence Hospice and to Home Instead for their loving kindness throughout this time.

Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the guestbook provided.