Alexander "Big Al" Pannoni

Alexander “Big Al” Pannoni, 77, passed peacefully at his home on January 11, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Born on April 9, 1948, in Rochester, New York, Alex lived a life defined by loyalty, laughter, service, and an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel like family from the very first meeting.

Alex grew up in Rochester and Henrietta, New York, where the roots of his strong work ethic and deep sense of community were formed. He proudly served his country as a United States Air Force veteran, assigned to the Strategic Air Command, a chapter of his life he carried with quiet pride.

Following his military service, Alex dedicated more than 40 years to the New York State Department of Transportation, earning the respect of colleagues through his reliability, integrity, and steady presence. Work, however, was only one part of a full and vibrant life.

A lifelong and devoted Buffalo Bills fan, Alex supported his team through every high and low, celebrating victories and enduring heartbreaks with the same unwavering devotion. His love of sports extended beyond football—Alexander was also a loyal New York Yankees fan, following the team with the same passion and pride. When he wasn’t watching a game, Alex could often be found fishing, a pastime he loved most at the family cottage, where quiet mornings on the water and shared stories became some of his most treasured moments.

Golf was one of Alex’s greatest joys. A superb golfer, he found true happiness on the course, where the rhythm of the game, friendly competition, and time spent with friends and family brought him peace. The fairways were a place of laughter, stories, and connection, and those moments on the greens were among the ones he cherished most.

Since the 1970s, Alex spent summers at his family cottage on Point Peninsula, where he built a circle of friends that became family. Known as the life of the party, Alex could often be found with a cigar in hand, a warm smile on his face, and a story ready to bring laughter to the room. His presence made people feel welcome instantly—no barriers, no hesitation, just belonging.

Above all else, Alex’s greatest love was his wife, Karen. Their marriage was built on devotion, friendship, and quiet understanding, a partnership defined by unwavering support and deep respect. Together they shared a life full of laughter, loyalty, and love, standing side by side through every season. The bond they shared was evident to everyone who knew them, and it remained the strongest and most enduring part of Alex’s life.

Alex will be remembered for his heart. He had a rare gift: making people feel known, valued, and loved from the very first day. He should be remembered with a smile, a cigar, and a big hug—exactly how he gave himself to the world.

Alex was predeceased by his parents, Americo and Anne Pannoni; his brother-in-law, Phil Misner; and numerous beloved cousins and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Karen; his sister, Barbara; his daughters, Danielle and her husband Brian, and Michelle (Peter Schuster) Pannoni; his cherished granddaughter, Jaclyn McFadden; his mother in law Jesse DiNitto, his sister in law and Brother in Law Debbie and Victor Mancini, his sister in law Christine and Todd Angel, his nephew Jason Misner (Tiffany Arnold) and grand-niece Brooklyn Misner; his niece Angela Mancini; his nephew Anthony Mancini; nephews Caleb and Truman Angel; his lifelong closest friend, Paulie Mezzoprete; and many other loving family members and friends whose lives were better for knowing him. A special thank you to his nurses, caretakers & aides.

Alex’s legacy lives on in the countless friendships he built, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave freely. Once you met Big Al, you were family forever.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 2636 Ridgeway Avenue.

A mass will be held on Friday January 23, 2026 beginning at 11:00 AM, at The Parish of the Holy Family (St. Jude), 4100 Lyell Rd, Rochester, NY 14606. Interment will immediately follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 2461 Lake Avenue.

To share a memory of Alex or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.