RIP Rich Panczyszyn

[Ringostar57]

Passed away at 68. Much maligned QB of the late 60s. Wore number 44.

 

['72 Orange]

Obitutary

My son lives in his home town and sent me the link to his obit. Seems Rich was quite a character in his younger years!

Richard C. "Rich" Panczyszyn, 68, of Millville recently died at home unexpectedly. Born in Millville, Rich graduated from Millville Senior High, Class of 1965. During his high school career, Rich earned 7 varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. As quarterback on the football team, Rich was named All-County twice and as a senior was named All South Jersey as well as All State Honorable Mention. After a sensational football year at Bordentown Military Institute, Rich was recruited to play football at Syracuse University. While there, he earned the right and was honored to wear the famous #44 jersey, handed down to him from Floyd Little and previously worn by Jim Brown and Ernie Davis. He was inducted into the Millville Thunderbolt Hall of Fame in 2006.

Rich had been the OSHA compliance officer for the City of Millville, and retired from the State of NJ after 25 years of service in OSHA compliance. He was recognized by the US Department of Labor for service and support of "Ground Zero" after 9-11.

Rich was a member of the Millville Elks Lodge #580 and the Millville Thunderbolt Club.

Rich had a great sense of humor and a contagious smile, and was loved by many. He especially was held in high esteem by his peers when, in an act of ornery defiance in his younger years, he chopped down a cherished symbol of Millville, the holly tree in front of the Police Department.

He is also recognized for his devotion to his parents, as he gave up a vibrant, successful life in Florida to return to Millville to help his mother, Virginia, take care of his seriously ill father Frank, Sr. Rich continued after his father's passing to look after his mother, which he did until his untimely death. He will be sadly missed by his family and close friends.Rich is survived by his beloved mother: Mrs. Virginia Panczyszyn; brother: Frank T. Jr. (Tracy); dear friend: Babs Bennett; very close friend and cousin: Harry Schwegel; niece: Stephanie Watkins; nephew: Ted Panczyszyn; 2 grandnephews: Tyler & Collin; grandniece: Taylor and many cousins aunt and uncles. Rich was predeceased by his father: Frank T. Sr.A Memorial service and social gathering to celebrate Rich's life will be held on Saturday at 11 AM in the Rocap Shannon Memorial Funeral Home, where friends may call from 10 AM. Burial will be private. Memorial donations in Rich's memory may be made to the Millville Thunderbolt Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1513, Millville, NJ 08332. Written condolences may be sent to: rocapshannon@aol.com, www.rocapshannon.com or snjtoday.com

 

[jekelish]

Am I the only one who thinks that Nate Mink's article today about this was incredibly disrespectful? For god's sake, the headline was about how the guy used to be jeered for wearing 44.

I mean...seriously?

 

[Toga]

Am I the only one who thinks that Nate Mink's article today about this was incredibly disrespectful? For god's sake, the headline was about how the guy used to be jeered for wearing 44.

I mean...seriously?

Whoever happens to see Nate first needs to punch him in the face. A-Hole.

 

[Symphony Steve]

At the time, there was an outcry over 44 being awarded to players who hadn't yet earned it--and who ended up not adding to the tradition associated w/the number. Panczyszyn had the misfortune to be one of, if not, the first to meet that fate.

It was a notable part of his career, so I'm not bothered by the mention. After all, it was true. I think a public obit (as opposed to one written by the family) should include that information to provide context.

 

[jekelish]

At the time, there was an outcry over 44 being awarded to players who hadn't yet earned it--and who ended up not adding to the tradition associated w/the number. Panczyszyn had the misfortune to be one of, if not, the first to meet that fate.

It was a notable part of his career, so I'm not bothered by the mention. After all, it was true. I think a public obit (as opposed to one written by the family) should include that information to provide context.

I'm fine with it being mentioned, but why make it the focal point?

 

[Symphony Steve]

I'm fine with it being mentioned, but why make it the focal point?

Haven't seen the obit, could you link it?

Also just want to point out that this was a huge controversy at the time--one that I think ultimately led to the retirement of 44.

 

[FAL]

Am I the only one who thinks that Nate Mink's article today about this was incredibly disrespectful? For god's sake, the headline was about how the guy used to be jeered for wearing 44.

I mean...seriously?

Another case of Mink Stink? Me thinks so.

 

[OrangeXtreme]

Haven't seen the obit, could you link it?

Also just want to point out that this was a huge controversy at the time--one that I think ultimately led to the retirement of 44.

 

[rrlbees]

That's too bad. He used to be around at some games. Good guy and big SU supporter. RIP Rich.

 

[Moontan]

Also just want to point out that this was a huge controversy at the time--one that I think ultimately led to the retirement of 44.

I don't get that. #44 was worn for decades after that.

 

[Symphony Steve]

I don't get that. #44 was worn for decades after that.

They were much more careful and parsimonious in giving out the number. The debate was over (a) the degree to which it should be a recruiting tool, and (b) how the 'cheapening' of the use of 44 could impact SU tradition.

At least as I can remember. Hey, it was the late '60's/early '70's when I was on the Hill. There were things I, um, enjoyed more than football.

Moontan, your question intrigued me, so I checked out who wore 44 after Rich. If Wikipedia is to be trusted (insert joke here), only 5 more wore 44. They were: "Mandel Robinson, Glenn Moore, Michael Owens, Terry Richardson and Rob Konrad."

I don't even remember Mandel Robinson or Glenn Moore.

Just found that interesting.

 

[SUbear]

They were much more careful and parsimonious in giving out the number. The debate was over (a) the degree to which it should be a recruiting tool, and (b) how the 'cheapening' of the use of 44 could impact SU tradition.

At least as I can remember. Hey, it was the late '60's/early '70's when I was on the Hill. There were things I, um, enjoyed more than football.

Moontan, your question intrigued me, so I checked out who wore 44 after Rich. If Wikipedia is to be trusted (insert joke here), only 5 more wore 44. They were: "Mandel Robinson, Glenn Moore, Michael Owens, Terry Richardson and Rob Konrad."

I don't even remember Mandel Robinson or Glenn Moore.

Just found that interesting.

I remember them all. Mandel was a local kid(North Syracuse), did not end up staying at SU. Transferred out can not remember where he landed(Wyoming I think). His two years at SU were not great.

 

[Matsu1]

Mandel Robinson transferred to Wyoming and had a pretty good career. He transferred because Maloney was using him as a blocking back for a kid named Johnny Grubb.

 

[kuethstheman]

Glenn Moore showed flashes but never lived up to the number.

 

[Symphony Steve]

Glenn Moore showed flashes but never lived up to the number.

Right. Here are the stats:

http://cuse.com/sports/2005/11/8/mooreglenn44bio.aspx

Actually, when you look at it, only a very few mythical players created the aura of 44. Lotsa relative no-names in the bunch:

Gifford Zimmerman, Charles Roberts, Clarence Taylor, Don Baldwin, Richard Fishel, Henry Merz, Hamilton Watt, Francis Mullins, Stanley Stanislay, Benjamin DeYoung, Francis Mazejko, Richard Ransom, J. O'Brien, Robert Eberling, Jim Brown, Thomas Stephens, Ernie Davis, William Schoonover, Floyd Little, Richard Panczyszyn, Mandel Robinson, Glenn Moore, Michael Owens, Terry Richardson and Rob Konrad.

 

[rrlbees]

Mandel Robinson transferred to Wyoming and had a pretty good career. He transferred because Maloney was using him as a blocking back for a kid named Johnny Grubb.

Who is Johnny Grubb? Mandel was there when Hurley and Monk were the offensive stars and running the ball all the time and Avery was a RB too. Don't remember Grubb at all.

 

[Moontan]

They were much more careful and parsimonious in giving out the number. The debate was over (a) the degree to which it should be a recruiting tool, and (b) how the 'cheapening' of the use of 44 could impact SU tradition.

At least as I can remember. Hey, it was the late '60's/early '70's when I was on the Hill. There were things I, um, enjoyed more than football.

Moontan, your question intrigued me, so I checked out who wore 44 after Rich. If Wikipedia is to be trusted (insert joke here), only 5 more wore 44. They were: "Mandel Robinson, Glenn Moore, Michael Owens, Terry Richardson and Rob Konrad."

I don't even remember Mandel Robinson or Glenn Moore.

Just found that interesting.

Glenn Moore was during my time on the hill.

Using #44 as a recruiting tool or as a reward for a current star player are the way to go. Always having a #44 on the field, just to have one out there, or retiring the number are both mistakes.

 

[OrangeAl]

Who is Johnny Grubb? Mandel was there when Hurley and Monk were the offensive stars and running the ball all the time and Avery was a RB too. Don't remember Grubb at all.

I think his name was James Grubbs. He was from Edison, NJ and had one or two big games before either dropping out or flunking out.

 

[sutomcat]

I think his name was James Grubbs. He was from Edison, NJ and had one or two big games before either dropping out or flunking out.

Grubbs lettered one year, in 1975. Robinson lettered in 76 and 77. The primary tailback while he was at Syracuse was Bob Avery, who lettered from 74-77.

Robinson did transfer to Wyoming, where he was converted to TE and enjoyed some success.

If Robinson had hung around, he would have been a big part of the Art Monk, Joe Morris, Bill Hurley, Craig Wolfley led offense of the late 1970s. Their offensive coordinator was a young alum named Tom Coughlin. I believe he went on to some success later in his coaching career.

 

[SU68]

Another case of Mink Stink? Me thinks so.

The columnists don't write the headlines. All newspapers/sites have a separate writer that does that, often changing the tone of the written article.

I took a couple of classes with Rich. Very nice kid.

 

[OrangePA]

Am I the only one who thinks that Nate Mink's article today about this was incredibly disrespectful? For god's sake, the headline was about how the guy used to be jeered for wearing 44.

I mean...seriously?

It was a horrible article.

It failed completely to fully and accurately describe Rich as a player.

The fact is that RP was a great - great - football player. He was a true triple threat. He could run, throw and kick.

He was the team's punter in 1968 - a very good one.

And he won the QB job at the beginning of the 1967 season only to get hurt in the opening game against Baylor.

He was worthy of No. 44 when it was given to him and he had some very good moments - at Wisconsin in 1969 - and some tough moments because of his health.

But, he ended his career quite well - he played halfback against BC in Archbold - rushed for nearly 100 yards and demonstrated once again what a great athlete he was.

He was one of my heroes when I first started watching the Orange.

My condolences to his family.

 

[jekelish]

It was a horrible article.

It failed completely to full and accurately describe Rich as a player.

The fact is that RP was a great - great - football player. He was a true triple threat. He could run, throw and kick.

He was the team's punter in 1968 - a very good one.

And he won the QB job at the beginning of the 1967 season only to get hurt in the opening game against Baylor.

He was worthy of No. 44 when it was given to him and he had some very good moments - at Wisconsin in 1969 - and some tough moments because of his health.

But, he ended his career quite well - he played halfback against BC in Archbold - rushed for nearly 100 yards and demonstrated once again what a great athlete he was.

He was one of my heroes when I first started watching the Orange.

My condolences to his family.

Good stuff. He was well before my time.

My main issue was that it wasn't just a mention of being "jeered"...that was the bulk of the article. I'm fine with that being mentioned as one aspect of his career. But for god's sake, show some respect and actually talk about the man and his life as your lead, and then you can mention it later in the article.

 

[Ringostar57]

Guess Nate Mink is getting tired of having his articles jeered all the time. Nate here is a jeer for you! You have yet to reach 20% of the human being Rich was.

 

[Cheriehoop]

Glenn Moore showed flashes but never lived up to the number.

Wow we had Joe Morris and this poor guy sat behind him but wore #44?