Life Member. Accordion
(1929 – 2018)
Nunzio “Norman” Panto, passed peacefully in Thousand Oaks, CA on Feb. 24, 2018 at the age of 88.
Norman is survived by his son Frank and daughter-in-law Julie. He is also survived by his loving sisters-in-law, Sarina Roccisano and Anna Valeri. He will also be missed by his beloved nieces and nephews, their children and the rest of the family and all the friends he has made over the years.
Norman is preceded in death by his loving wife Pina, who he was married to for 60 years. She passed away on Jan. 12, 2017. Norman is also preceded in death by his father and mother, Frank and Mary Panto and his four brothers and three sisters.
A native of Syracuse, NY, Norman had been playing the accordion for 76 years. At the age of 12, Norman was taught to play the accordion by his brother Tommy Panto who was a professional jazz accordionist. By the age of 16 Norman turned lessons from his brother into enough accordion virtuosity to join a band and become a professional musician. In 1954, he moved to Los Angeles to further his music career. He traveled on an European tour with Vic Damone and played and sang for six months on the Princess Cruises line. Norman had taken on various acting and singing roles in television and film.
Norman was known for his big smile and enthusiastic accordion playing. Norman was also involved in the Accordionaires Orchestra, preforming concerts thru out California.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Wounded Warrior Project in Norman’s name.
