Zivile Panico

Zivile Panico was born on October 3, 1942, in Ukmergė, Lithuania. Before she was old enough to understand the world around her, history changed the course of her life. Following the Soviet occupation of Lithuania, her family fled their homeland in search of freedom. Alongside her parents and her sister, Dalia, she spent much of her childhood in an Allied Displaced Persons camp before arriving in the United States through the Port of New Orleans in 1949.

Starting over in a new country wasn't easy, but Zivile never backed down from a challenge. She learned a new language, embraced a new culture, and worked tirelessly to build a life filled with opportunity. She earned her Associate's Degree in Business from Rutgers University and carried that same determination into everything she did.

She was one of the smartest people you could ever meet. Fiercely independent, endlessly curious, and unbelievably well-read, Zivile had a passion for learning that never faded. Books were never far from her side, and if you had a question about history, current events, finance, or just about anything else, chances are she already knew the answer. Her family often joked that she was a walking encyclopedia, but what made her so remarkable wasn't just what she knew, it was how willing she was to share her wisdom with the people she loved.

Throughout her career, Zivile earned the respect of everyone around her as a securities broker and compliance officer. She was a natural leader who approached her work with integrity, intelligence, and confidence. Earlier in life, she and her husband, John, built The Broad Street News in Clifton, New Jersey, into one of the largest independent distributors of The New York Times and the New York Daily News in the state. She believed in hard work, doing things the right way, and never settling for less than her best.

Of all the roles she held in life, being a mother and grandmother meant the most to her. She was proud of her children and found so much joy in watching her family grow. She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: John Baltutis, Adam Baltutis, Elizabeth Baltutis, Anthony Baltutis, Kelsey Panico, Jake Goble, Luke Goble, and her great-granddaughter, Drew Baltutis.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Vytautas Baltutis and Ona Kazlauskas-Baltutienė; her devoted husband, John Panico; and her beloved daughter, Adrienne Panico.

She is survived by her sister, Dalia Baltutytė-Puzycki and her husband, Paul Puzycki; her son, Vytautas Baltutis and his wife, Danette; her daughters, Lisa Panico and Deidre Goble; and her nephew, Vytas Puzycki and his wife, Louisa.

Zivile's life is a testament to resilience, courage, intelligence, and perseverance. She came to America as a child seeking safety and built a life defined by strength, compassion, and unwavering determination. She taught those around her the value of knowledge, hard work, and standing on your own two feet. More than anything, she showed her family what unshakable strength looks like. Her legacy lives on in the lives she shaped, the wisdom she shared, and the love she gave so freely. She will be deeply missed, forever admired, and always remembered