Lynda and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I wanted to write sooner, but it was tough to figure out what to say. Quite frankly, I’m still at a loss for words. I met Jon back in ~2003 on his first Sapient project. He flew out to Denver and helped me through a tough project for a company in the airline industry. His many years of experience at Saber saved the day. Jon always seemed to be a student of whatever he focused on. He’d learn incredibly quickly and then be able to teach and lead with confidence. He really put Sapient on the map for eCommerce and then in a bigger, more comprehensive way with total commerce. Thinking back, he added such a unique feel to any meeting he joined. He had a big personality that everyone gravitated toward - but he also stopped to listen - he had a presence and style that was “uniquely him.” He talked with confidence and was so easy to have a conversation with…and, he was a real thinker - he didn’t give generic answers that I could just get with ChatGPT. I’d periodically reach out to him for advice. I knew he was always incredibly busy, but he’d always get back to me and even jump in a client meeting or two when I needed him. And, a 20-year-old flashback: he and I were chatting about this and that, and we somehow got to talking about the cost of airfares. There was a particular route where price gouging was happening because a particular carrier had a monopoly. Well, Jon knew IATA fare rules inside and out. He had found a way to take the really expensive direct flight with only having to pay for the low-cost indirect flight. It was completely legitimate and SO clever. I chuckled when he told me, and I still smile about it when I’m booking travel. Jon, I miss you buddy.

I went to High School with Jon. We first met as we were both originally from Pennsylvania and both loved the Steelers and needed to stick together due to being in the middle of Dallas Cowboys country. We soon became great friends and I have so many fond memories of Jon: video games and the arcade, Putt Putt, going out to eat and watch movies...We later both got into computers and spent hours at each others house working on our C64 computers (but mostly playing games). We shared a love of reading and music. I spent a lot of time at Jon's house in those days...Jon was one of the kindest, thoughtful and a genuinely good person. He truly loved his family and friends and was always there when needed. He was a very funny guy, loved his sports and loved just hanging out. I was so sad to hear about his passing and my heart goes out to Lynda, Rachel and his family. The world lost someone special without Jon...

Bowie Graduation: Dave, Robb and Jon

"Jon Panella was a remarkable leader and a generous mentor. I had the privilege of working under him 20 years ago, and I still carry the lessons he taught me. He didn’t just manage; he invested in people and helped navigate the challenges of building a career in a new environment. He will be deeply missed by everyone he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Jon touched so many people. Any time I was with Jon at an event, you couldn’t go 10 feet without someone coming up to him and wanting to say hi or talk to him. He was a magnet. Everyone loved Jon and so many of us are truly in shock and saddened beyond words.

Jon was the absolute best combination of aptitude and attitude. He was so incredibly smart, but even more kind and collaborative. He was loved and cherished by all that knew and had the honor to work with him. I cherished our friendship. God bless and rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to Jon's family and friends. I had the pleasure of working with Jon at Publicis Sapient and learned so much from him and his passion and incredible knowledge in the ecommerce space. Jon had a presence that commanded a room-- he could navigate complex conversations with ease and was one of the most humble and kind people I have evermmet. Jon had one of those voices that you will never forget (baratone yet cuddly and inviting :)). He will be deeply missed. May you rest in perfect peace!

Jon was a wonderful person—always smiling and always willing to help. He was fun to work with, a fantastic colleague, and a true mentor. His kindness and positivity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Rest in peace, Jon. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

— with Thomas and Darpan

Just an amazing and kind colleague that I was privileged to work with over the years!  Always a voice of reason whenever that was needed.  A good listener regardless of who was speaking.  Provided a balanced opinion that provided clarity and helped decision making.  And a person that always carried himself with integrity and humility.  That's the Jon I got to know and one that I will greatly miss.  Wish and pray for strength for Lynda, Rachel, and Jon's extended family and close friends.  

Jon was one of the warmest and kindest people. He truly cared for people in his network. He was a one of a kind expert in e-commerce and he was trusted by everyone - colleagues, clients and platforms. Saying he was a Steelers fan is an understatement.

I will miss his kindness, mentorship, sharing in Steelers fandom through ups and downs and his friendship.

John directed the first engagement/experience of my professional career (20 years ago!) and I'm fortunate to have had him there to navigate those new/challenging situations. I sincerely appreciate how he made time and really cared for his team. I'll never forget his patience, kindness and deep sonorous laugh. My thoughts are with John and his family during this time. He will be missed. Best wishes.

--Ari

Jon Panella was a one-of-a-kind person. He had encyclopedic knowledge of all things eCommerce, a towering presence in front of clients as he helped several navigate their digital transformation journey, and a genuine desire and focus on building long-lasting relationships. Jon will be hugely missed here at Publicis Sapient. I personally will miss a good friend and a frequent sounding board. Condolences go to Rachel and Lynda. Jon’s contributions, the relationships he nurtured, and the standards of excellence he modeled will endure in our work and in our memories.

Jon with the MACH Board

Jon always happy and laughing at Shoptalk — with paul Doforno and Jon panella

Mr. Panella welcomed me into his family with open arms and grace. I'm forever grateful to have known him and spent time traveling across the state with him in high school. We had the chance to see each other multiple times years later and he was always the same genuine, kind hearted person. He will be missed. Condolences to Rachel and Mrs. Panella.

My heartfelt condolences to Jon's family.I first met Jon while working for Sapient. Over nearly 20 years of knowing him, I was fortunate to work for him and learn from him. He was a mentor, a thoughtful leader, and someone I truly looked up to.

Jon had an incredible depth of knowledge, especially in the eCommerce space. He was the one person I could always reach out to about any product, and he would always have an answer. He had a sharp instinct for what would work and could quickly spell out potential challenges.

His soft smile could carry even the toughest conversations, and he had a way of making everyone listen and reflect.

He had a lasting impact on my journey and on so many others around him. He will be deeply missed.

Jon was an amazing man, always kind and helpful to those around him. May the joyous memories bring some peace and comfort to your family. 

My condolences to Lynda and the rest of Jon's family. I first met Jon at Sapient but the relationship went beyond that. Just a genuinely nice and talented person who always had time for everyone.   One of the great ones!

I went to high school with Jon, we drove in together most mornings. He was such a Steelers fan, I was a Cowboys fan. We gave each other a lot of grief. He was a kind sweetheart of a guy even back then. RIP, Jon.

Our deepest prayer. May he rest in power!! 

I'm so sorry for Jon's family and his extended work family.  Such a great human being. Every time I saw Jon, whether it was after a few days or a few years, his genuine energy to talk, to connect, to understand how I was doing always just made my day better.  I'll miss him and knowing that he was out there making people feel that way.