HAMPSTEAD — Cerino J. “Cy” Panipinto died peacefully December 17, 2021 in Hampstead, NC. His beloved wife of 63 years, Gail Panipinto, and his daughter, Lisa Panipinto, of Eastern Long Island NY, were at his bedside. He was 95 years old.
He is also survived by his daughter Ruthann Panipinto of Austin, TX and many nieces, and nephews across the country. Cy was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph, Charles and Thomas “Tip” Panipinto, and sisters Marian (West), Nina (Pilznienski) and Rose (Tuttle).
Cy was born March 12, 1926 in Livonia, NY, the son of Frank Sr and Nina Jerris Panipinto. He eventually left their farm and after serving in the US Army, moved to Center Moriches where he worked at a friend’s family farm. Upon meeting one of his neighbors – Gail Ripley – he was smitten and the two married and built a home in East Moriches on 6 acres of land and raised their two girls.
Cy had a career that reflected his many varied interests from tractor trailer driver to car salesman to driving a school bus for Eastport-South Manor School in Suffolk County. His nickname was “Cowboy Cy” since he always sported his trademark cowboy hat for any occasion outside the home.
Cy was an avid outdoorsman and founded the East Moriches Rod & Gun Club, along with close friend Richard Ringhoff, and other members. Cy also served proudly in the East Moriches Volunteer Fire Department for many years.
After Gail’s retirement from East Moriches elementary school, they relocated to Hampstead NC, in the early 1990’s to pursue an active lifestyle of golfing, boating, tending his rose gardens and traveling to visit friends and family.
One of Cy’s passions and pursuits was playing guitar and singing country western music. He was the lead singer and guitarist in a band in NY and also pursued solo performances for quite a few years afterward. After moving to NC, Cy kept entertaining on his own, playing and singing at KOA camps, family events and various outdoor venues around Pender County, NC. Cy’s love of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and assorted classic folk and country western standards were also favorites of the audience, who could not help but join in! He always began and ended his playlist with Wildwood Flower.
Cy leaves behind many friends both in East Moriches, NY as well as in Hampstead NC.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at Andrews Mortuary- Hampstead Chapel, 17730 Highway 17 North, Hampstead, 28443, where the family will receive visitors from 2:00 PM until time of services. The Memorial Service will be presided over by Senior Pastor William Holliday of Hampstead United Methodist Church, and assisted by Pastor “Skip” Williams.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to: Cape Fear Equine Rescue; PO Box 1034, Rocky Point, NC 28457, to honor Cy’s love of horses. Please note his name on your donation.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Cy’s caregiving team at Liberty HomeCare & Hospice Services for the compassion and support shown to our family and Cy during his last months of life.
Please sign the online Guestbook at www.andrewsmortuary.com
