Andrew J. Panaggio, 66

Andrew “Andy” Jay Panaggio, 66, passed unexpectedly in his home on Dec. 24, 2025.

Andy was born on Oct. 30, 1959, in Sacramento, California, to Carol and Nicholas Panaggio. He was born into a military family, so moving all over the country was the norm, but the mountain, as he called it, was always home. He was a graduate from Newfound Memorial High School, class of 1978, where he not only excelled at baseball and basketball, but throwing the occasional party as well.

Andy spent his early years moving all over the country, as his father was in the U.S. Air Force. Being a military kid Andy had many friends from all over, who he still stayed in contact with before his passing. Andy lived in California, Alaska, Nova Scotia, and Maryland. He always would tell his children stories of his travels as a kid. During his freshmen year of high school, his family came back to the mountain for good.

Andy went on to work at a chemical plant, WR Grace in Nashua. He met his wife Kristen in Nashua, at Fare Lanes, a bowling alley Kristen worked at. Andy and Kristen got married on Oct. 20, 1991, in Nashua. After having their two children, Andy and Kristen decided it was time to move back to his hometown Alexandria, and raise their children. Moving home and raising their children on the mountain was incredibly important to Andy.

Andy was a devoted husband and father. He was your all-around family man, staying home and raising both their children while Kristen worked. His children wouldn’t have it any other way. He was at every sporting event, concert, performance, you name it. He encouraged his children to be authentically themselves and constantly told them how much he loved them. Andy was a man who was not afraid to show his emotions, he was the type of guy who wore his heart on his sleeve.

Andy spent the last few years of his life taking care of his wife, Kristen. In 2019 Kristen was diagnosed with early onset dementia. Andy was Kristen's dedicated caregiver, and even though it was challenging at times he wouldn’t want it any other way. Kristen was his soulmate; he was utterly devoted to her until her passing. His love for his wife was truly remarkable and unmatched.

Andy was an avid athlete in his youth, playing many sports. He loved to play football, baseball and basketball. His love for sports went beyond playing, he loved to watch his Boston sports teams. His children can see him now yelling at the Pats to “play better.” Andy's love for life, his boisterous personality and quirky sense of humor are deeply missed by his family and friends. Andy simply loved living life and bringing joy to all those around him.

Andy is predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Carol Panaggio, as well as his wife Kristen Panaggio. He is survived by his children, daughter Kendall (Eli) Schaffner, and son Nicholas (Shannon Griffiths) Panaggio; his two grandchildren, Lennox and Ripp Schaffner; as well as his sister Cherly Colby.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 15, at Riverside Cemetery, Fowler River Road in Alexandria. A celebration of life will follow; details will be announced after the service.