Richard Norris Panton, 74 of Valparaiso, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2025. He was born July 2, 1950 in Wareham, Massachusetts, to the late Richard A. and Gwendolyn (Norris) Panton. A 1968 graduate of Lawrence High School, Falmouth, MA, Richard earned his chemical engineering degree from Worcester Polytechnic in 1972. From June of 1972 - November of 1979, he worked in supervision and management at E.I. duPont de Nemours. Then from November 1979 - March of 1989, Richard worked as an engineer and department manager at Pfizer in East Saint Louis, IL. During his time at Pfizer, he finished his MBA in 1985 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Richard was transferred in 1989 to Valparaiso Pfizer, ISK Magnetics, working there until 1997. He began as a lecturer at Purdue North Central in August of 2001 to December of 2018, was involved with Porter County Hazmat, and happily retired February 7, 2020. Richard was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be greatly missed.
On August 26, 1972, Richard married Deborah Turansky who survives along with their children, Caroline Pullara and Richard R. (Sandra) Panton; grandchildren, Triston and Logan Pullara and Scarlett Panton; and his sister, Susan (Francis) Smith.
In accordance with Richard’s wishes, no formal services will be held with cremation at Angelcrest Crematory, Valparaiso. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the American Heart Association.
GUESTBOOK
Deb, Ricky & Carrie, I am very sorry to hear about Dick and your dad’s passing. I always liked Dick. He was always kind and I thought pretty funny. I know you’re going to miss him very much and it’ll be difficult for a while, but try to remember him and all your good memories to get you through these tough times Love, -Carol Turansky
