Douglas J. Paniccia

Douglas Paniccia passed away on April 21, with his girls (his wife, Carla; and his daughters, Amanda and Christina) by his side. Born on June 30, 1956, in Detroit, MI., Douglas was the youngest child of Angelo and Ines Paniccia. Douglas is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 39 years, Carla (nee Galloway), two loving daughters, Amanda (Jim) McMahon and Christina (Pierce Reynolds) Paniccia; two adoring grandsons, James and Harry. He is also survived by his parents, Angelo and Ines Paniccia; his sister Rosanna (Dominic) Franco; his mother-in-law, Evelyn Galloway, his brother-in law, Bill (Gina) Galloway, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Harry Galloway.

Douglas had a strong work ethic and was a talented artist. He followed his passion and love for art to the College for Creative Studies, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1981 in advertising design and art direction.

To pay for his education, Douglas worked at Chatham Grocery Store. It was here that he met and discovered another love, his soulmate, Carla. Douglas and Carla both worked for Chatham’s. Their love story started when Douglas asked Carla on a date to a dinner-dance at the Royalty House. They continued to date and were married on July 25, 1981. They had two girls, Amanda and Christina. His almost forty-year marriage to Carla was a partnership full of love, respect, humor, and friendship. Together they built a beautiful life together. He loved his family unconditionally and was the number one fan and supporter of his girls.

Douglas worked as an artist and graphic designer for the automotive companies for over 25 years. In 2004, Doug enrolled at Marygrove College, where he earned a Masters in Education. In 2008, he began his teaching career at Southfield Public Schools. Known as Mr. Paniccia (or Mr. P) to his students, Doug was a beloved art teacher at Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology (America’s Number One High School).

During the day Douglas worked as a teacher and in the evening, he cared for his parents. On the weekends he managed Oak Ridge Market in Warren. The grocery business, his coworkers, students, and customers brought Doug joy.

Douglas was a quiet man with a big heart and a gentle soul. He was a man full of wit and humor. He had the best laugh and the most beautiful blue eyes. He liked football (a lifelong Detroit Lions fan), gardening, music (he was an encyclopedia when it came to classic rock and Motown), art, stocks, politics, cold weather and snow days. He was a great listener and thinker. He provided thoughtful advice to his daughters and students. Above all, Douglas was a loyal and proud family man. One of Doug’s greatest joys in life was his family. He was excited and proud when his family began to grow, first with the addition of son-in-law(s), Jim and Pierce, and then grandsons, James and Harry. He was the best papa to James and Harry and thought the world of them.

Douglas was loved by all who knew him and will be forever missed.

A memorial service will be held at St. Blase Catholic Church, 12151 Fifteen Mile Road, Sterling Heights, on Friday, May 21, 2021 (Visitation 8:30 am and Mass 9:30 am).

In addition to the memorial service, a celebration of life will be held in summer with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any charitable contributions be made to American Cancer Society or to the family.

Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic and Governor’s Orders facial masks must be worn and proper social distancing is required.