John E. Pandich passed away Monday in his home after a series of illnesses. He is survived by his wife Kim; his sons Thomas and David; his daughter Jennifer and her husband Perry; grandchildren Claire and Max; sister Roberta and brother-in-law Jack as well as a host of extended family members friends and literally thousands of students.
Beyond the love of his family John had two passions: teaching and sports. He coached high school football basketball baseball golf and officiated football college basketball and baseball. He began his teaching career in 1969 and spent the next 37 years trying to instill his love of English into the students in his classroom and his love of sports into those he coached.
John was born in Binghamton New York on June 26 1942 to John and Helen Pandich the youngest of six children. Immediately upon graduating from high school he joined the Army and spent three years serving his country working for NATO in Europe as a cryptographer and playing rugby for the Armed Forces. Upon returning to Binghamton John completed his Bachelor's Degree in History and Philosophy and after receiving the job of head football coach in Harpursville NY was given a choice of teaching math biology and English and chose English because as he liked to say "At least I could speak it."
For the next twenty-five years John built a career in New York that included receiving both "Teacher of the Year" and "Official of the Year" honors. He was the referee for the NY State High School Finals in basketball on several occasions and was known for his comprehensive knowledge of the rules and unswerving ethics in the game.
In 1995 John and his family moved to Florida and he began teaching and coaching at St. Joseph Academy in St. Augustine. For the past twelve years John has taught on both the college and high school level serving as an adjunct professor at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Daytona Beach Community College and finishing his career at Flagler Palm Coast High School because as he discovered he loved teaching high school much more than college.
Despite chronic illnesses and severe pain John rarely complained about his physical condition and used his love for teaching and his students as his means of coping. John was loved by both his players and his students because he made the classroom and the playing field a better place to be by his mere presence. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends and leaves a lifetime of teaching and coaching as his legacy.
A visitation with the family will be on Sunday November 11 2007 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Lohman Funeral Home Palm Coast. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church on Monday November 12 2007 at 10:30 AM. Friends may visit with the family from 9:30 until the time of the Mass.
Memorial donations in John's name may be made to Matanzas High School for future teachers of English. 3535 Old Kings Road North Palm Coast FL 32137
Condolences may be shared via the family guestbook at www.lohmanfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Palm Coast.