August William "Augie/Gus" Panici's Obituary
August William “Augie/Gus” Panici, age 89, passed away on February 21, 2026, at a local hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born in his parents’ home on Young Avenue in Muskegon on September 16, 1936. He was the baby of the family and he had five older siblings. His parents were August and Santa Panici, both born in Amaseno, Italy. On September 10, 1960, he married Judith “Judy” Leckone at St. Jean’s Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by Judy on March 30, 1999 and by their infant son, Terry Lee on August 10, 1961. He was also preceded in death by his parents, siblings and their spouses: Michael/Joyce, Orie/Verna, Mary/Donald, Fritz/Sally and Lewis/Marisue. Linda Herbert, his companion for many years, also preceded him in death.
Augie graduated from Muskegon High School in 1954. He held many jobs throughout his lifetime. As a young boy he sold tomatoes from his wagon in the neighborhood; he helped his older brothers peddle papers; he worked at the Campus Cove/Market across from Muskegon High School for his brother Orie; he worked at Brunswick; he was a firefighter; and ultimately went on to working for the Muskegon County Sheriff’s office where he had many roles: Deputy, Courtroom Bailiff, Detective, Sargent of the Detective Bureau, and finally as a third shift Lieutenant in the jail. Augie was credited for helping stop an attempted jail break.
He was heavily involved in the local and state Teamsters Union 214. He served in various roles for the Teamsters. He was involved in the Mona Lake Boat Club, even serving as Commodore.
For many years, if you were looking for him, you could find him at the Bent Pine Golf Course. He was an avid golfer and member at the club for over 25 years.
Augie was very proud of his Italian heritage and often wore sweatshirts donning the Italian flag. He was also passionate about gardening, having grown up gardening with his father. He loved tending his vegetable garden in the side lot of his home, then canning and sharing with family, friends, and neighbors. His garden could hold 120 tomato plants in any given summer. His tomatoes were the best! He was a gardener for at least 75 years of his life.
He loved to cook as well. Food was always a passion of his. He would often say, “It was so good” or “It was the best ever!”
He is survived by his sons Todd (Amy), Joe (Rick Murak), his four grandchildren: Lucas (Danielle), Brianna (Alex), Olivia and Noah. “Papa” also had two very special great grandsons Leyland and Little Augie. “Uncle Aug” will be missed by his many nieces and a nephew. He also has four first cousins in Chicago and Florida. Augie had many great neighbors over the years including Peggy G.; Kim and Ken; Drake, Katrina and their girls and Dan, Laura, Aiden and the girls.
Augie’s cremains will be placed next to his wife, Judy, at St. Mary’s Cemetery. There will be a Celebration of Life Open House at the Mona Lake Boating Club on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm. The family requests no flowers, but Augie would rather you make a donation in his name to Pound Buddies Animal Shelter at 3279 E Laketon Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442.
Arrangements handled by The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441. Sign the online guestbook at https://www.sytsemafh.com
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