Richard Panczyszyn, 68, of Millville recently died at home unexpectedly. Born in Millville, Rich graduated from Millville Senior High, Class of 1965. During his high school career, Rich earned 7 varsity letters in football, basketball and baseball. As quarterback on the football team, Rich was named All-County twice and as a senior was named All South Jersey as well as All State Honorable Mention. After a sensational football year at Bordentown Military Institute, Rich was recruited to play football at Syracuse University. While there, he earned the right and was honored to wear the famous #44 jersey, handed down to him from Floyd Little and previously worn by Jim Brown and Ernie Davis. He was inducted into the Millville Thunderbolt Hall of Fame in 2006. Rich had been the OSHA compliance officer for the City of Millville, and retired from the State of NJ after 25 years of service in OSHA compliance. He was recognized by the US Department of Labor for service and support of Ground Zero after 9-11. Rich was a member of the Millville Elks Lodge #580 and the Millville Thunderbolt Club. Rich had a great sense of humor and a contagious smile, and was loved by many. He especially was held in high esteem by his peers when, in an act of ornery defiance in his younger years, he chopped down a cherished symbol of Millville, the holly tree in front of the Police Department. He is also recognized for his devotion to his parents, as he gave up a vibrant, successful life in Florida to return to Millville to help his mother, Virginia, take care of his seriously ill father Frank, Sr. Rich continued after his father's passing to look after his mother, which he did until his untimely death. He will be sadly missed by his family and close friends. Rich is survived by his beloved mother: Mrs. Virginia Panczyszyn; brother: Frank T. Jr. (Tracy); dear friend: Babs Bennett; very close friend and cousin: Harry Schwegel; niece: Stephanie Watkins; nephew: Ted Panczyszyn; 2 grandnephews: Tyler & Collin; grandniece: Taylor and many cousins aunt and uncles. Rich was predeceased by his father: Frank T. Sr. A Memorial service and social gathering to celebrate Rich's life will be held on Saturday at 11 AM in the Rocap Shannon Memorial Funeral Home, where friends may call from 10 AM. Burial will be private. Memorial donations in Rich's memory may be made to the Millville Thunderbolt Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1513, Millville, NJ 08332.