Jeffrey E. Pannaman

Jeffrey Edward Pannaman, age 59, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, after a brave battle against a very rare form of cancer. Jeff displayed the same courage and resilience in this fight that he garnered from his military service. 

Jeff was born June 27, 1965, in Jackson Heights, New York, but grew up in Irwin, Pennsylvania. He graduated in 1983 from Hempfield Area Senior High School, after which Jeff enlisted in the United States Army. He served as an M1A1 Tank gunner before returning to Pennsylvania for college. Jeff was an Army ROTC scholarship recipient and graduated from The University of Pittsburgh, commissioning back into the United States Army as a Medical Service Corps Officer (Second Lieutenant) in May, 1991. Jeff was then selected as a United States Army Special Forces Officer and was assigned to 3rd Group, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 

During his service, Jeff participated in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and was stationed in Qatar, Morocco, Iraq, Tunisia, Lebanon, Germany, and many places throughout the United States. His travels with the military allowed Jeff to participate in so many other things that were important to him. He was an avid skier, heading up and taking great trips throughout Europe with the Stuttgart Ski Club. While in Germany, he found his passion for cycling, making friends and riding with fellow enthusiasts and earning his nickname “Hammer” because of his burst of speed during time trial racing and hill climbing. Jeff also enjoyed making movies of his adventures with his family and friends, gardening, working around his “forever home,” great beer and attending events that ended with the word “Fest.” Jeff was also a passionate and devoted Pittsburgh Sports Team fan, with an impressive collection of Steelers’ memorabilia and did his best to watch Steelers’ games no matter where he was in the world. 

Jeff retired from the United States Army in 2016 as a Lieutenant Colonel following 33 years of service. His awards and decorations are many, and include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, various Commendation, Achievement and Campaign Medals, as well as the Air Assault, Parachute and Expert Field Medic Badges. He continued his career in a civilian capacity for the United States Government for an additional eight years. 

Jeff loved serving his country, but loved his family and friends even more. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 30 years, Christine (Shaffer) of Titusville; son, Joshua; daughter, Ashley; mother, Karin; sister, Colonel (Ret) Michelle Crawford (Pannaman); and his two chocolate labs, Charlie and Ritter. He was preceded in death by his father, Milton, both sets of grandparents, many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins, and his first chocolate lab, Tadboy.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, October 21, 2024, William Slater II Funeral Service, 1650 Greentree Rd., Scott Twp., 15220, 412-563-2800, starting at 11 AM with his Funeral Service beginning at noon. Interment will directly follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies at 1158 Morgan Rd., Bridgeville, PA 15017. Reception will immediately follow with the location to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to either Fisher House c/o Michael Ybarra, 24 Stokes Rd, Bldg. 25, Bethesda, MD 20814 OR to Mason Dixon K9, c/o Ryan Bulson, 5233 Hanover Pike, Manchester, MD 21102.

www.slaterfuneral.com