HERKIMER-Larry G. Panko, age 76, passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning December 23, 2016 at Little Falls Hospital. He was born on February 27, 1940, in Herkimer, son of the late Russell Sr. and Virginia Beers Panko. A lifelong area resident he was a graduate of Mohawk High School, class of 1958. Upon graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force and was honorably discharged four years later. When Larry married the love of his life, Irene Balderston, they moved to Herkimer and raised their family. Mr. Panko was a machinist by trade and was employed by the Chicago Pneumatic Company in Utica for twenty-five years. When they closed, he went to work for the Remington Arms Company in Ilion working there for fifteen years until his retirement in 2004. Larry had a strong faith in God and was a member of St. Francis de Sales Church, Herkimer. An avid hunter and fisherman he was a devoted member of the NRA, East Herkimer and West Canada Fishing Game Clubs. He had an exceptional mechanical mind and could repair anything that needed fixing. To all who knew him he was a caring, gentle man with a great sense of humor. He was happiest when he was with his many friends and family, especially his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed. Surviving are his loving wife Irene, son, Joseph Panko and his wife Kimberly of Ilion, Jeffrey Panko and his wife Tamara of West Winfield, Connie Blackman and her husband Ike of Norwich, Sandra Allen of Mohawk, two sisters, Ginny Mae Knowles and her husband Donald of Ilion, Joanne Edick of Frankfort, sister-in-laws, Esther Lamphere of Richfield Springs and Barbara Burkett and her husband Russ of Ilion, ten grandchildren including Josh, Kayla and Krista Panko, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter, Marianne Panko in 1990, three brothers, Russell Panko Jr., Larrys twin brother Gary Panko and David Panko. Calling hours for Mr. Panko will be on Monday (today) from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 am in St. Francis de Sales Church, Herkimer with the Reverend Mark Cunningham, Pastor officiating. Interment with military honors provided the US Air Force will be in Calvary Cemetery later this spring. Calling Hours Fenner Funeral Home Monday, December 26, 2016 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM 115 Court Street Herkimer, NY 13350 Mass of Christian Burial St. Francis deSales Church Tuesday, December 27, 2016 11:00 AM N. Bellinger Street Herkimer, NY 13350