LIVING IN MANVILLE
By:Mary Ellen Zangara
What a great night to start the football season at Manville High School and dedicate the field to long time Vice Principal Ned Panfile. Friday night had perfect weather for the festivities planned.
Manville High School’s football field is now officially known as the Ned Panfile Stadium. The scoreboard and announcer’s booth now bear his name.
During halftime, the dedication took place as Athletic Director Pat Lamastro introduced Ned and his family as they joined him on the track along with Superintendent Dr. Heelan and Board of Education President Tim Calvo.
Ned’s wife, Barbara, daughter Nadine, son and daughter-in-law Ned and Lisa were right with him as this special moment took place. Many other family members, friends, co-workers, administrators, past football team members, community and alumni came out to help honor this great man we all know as Mr. P.
"Would everyone please look to the scoreboard?" said
Pat Lamastro, a longtime friend and co-worker of Mr. P. by saying, With the approval of the Board of Education, in appreciation for Mr. P.’s loyalty and dedication to the community and the school district, from this day on, this field shall be called the Ned Panfile Stadium."
With that final line, streamers and confetti were thrown down, the music blasted, and the crowd of many gave a standing ovation to this special man.
Mr. P. wiped tears away as he was very touched and honored with the dedication.
He was congratulated by his family and proceeded over to the fence around the field where everyone came to thank and congratulate him personally.
There were many, many, people who joined in this celebration. I spoke to some and they gave me their thoughts on Mr. P.
Senior Stephanie Pfoutz said "He’s a really guy, we’re gonna miss a lot. He’s really dedicated to the school and the students."
Recent graduate and ex-player Mike Piorkowski stated, "I think it’s great that the field is named after him because he deserves it more than anyone. He cares about you, he extends his hand out more than anyone and he has been a great influence on me."
Tony Carravante also a graduate commented that "Mr. P. was probably the biggest people who effected me the most during my high school years. I wish him all the luck in the world in his retirement, he was like a father to me."
College freshmen Vicki Walkoviak came home for the weekend just for this occasion. "I came home especially to see Mr. P. tonight because he has meant so much to me over the past four years in high school."
After the game, a reception was held in ABIS cafeteria and over 100 people from the community, family and friends joined Ned for coffee and cake and some socializing.
Members from his undefeated 1968 football team were also there to honor their long ago coach. Many traveled quite a distance to be there to share in this well deserved honor.
"Coach Panfile was one of the best coaches we ever had, in fact many of my teammates have joined me here tonight to celebrate the dedication of the field to him," said Bill Bolash. "I think I can speak for all of them, he showed us how to be a man and a football player and we thank him for that."
Dr. Heelan presented Mr. P. with a proclamation from the town on behalf of the mayor and Borough Council for his "willingness to serve his community through his educational and voluntary contributions."
Kathy Monks presented a gift on behalf of Rob Brown from World Class Travel to Mr. and Mrs. P for a trip to Florida. Mr. P. has been helping with the senior class trips for the past 18 years with Rob.
One last person who gave me some perspective and thoughts about Mr. P. was his long time secretary Karen Ziemaniek.
"Ned has been a real asset to the community and the students of Manville," Karen said. "He has always been there for them, he has always listened to them, he has been fair to them, and he has loved them. I have enjoyed my working relationship with Ned, he is a good friend and I am very happy that they have named the stadium after him. He certainly deserved it."
As students Jessica Gonzalez and Joy Drumbore summed it up about Mr. P. "He’s the Man! And everyone loves Mr. Panfile."
Congratulations on this honor you deserve it!
We are very thankful for all you have done for us over the past 41 years. We will miss you, but we all know you are "just across the street" as you have reminded everyone.
Mary Ellen Zangara is a lifelong resident of Manville.