On the 3000 block of Cedar Street in Port Richmond, most of the houses are adorned with orange bows displayed in memory of William “Billy” Panas Jr.
Panas was shot and killed by former police officer Frank Tepper on Nov. 21, 2009. According to the testimony of Anthony Picklo, a friend of Billy Panas, he was unarmed and shot while standing five feet away from Tepper. This tragedy has affected and touched many people, not just those in Port Richmond. For the residents on this block, Panas was not simply a name in the newspaper – he was a dear friend.
Billy Panas was loved by his neighbors. His family still resides at 3074 Cedar St. and has received an unconditional amount of support from the residents. “Overwhelming is an understatement,” said William Panas Sr. “It’s been phenomenal. I don’t have a word for it.”
The Panas family has lived on Cedar Street for 25 years. During this time, some of the residents have watched Billy Panas and his older sister, Lauren, grow up. “He was 10 years old when I moved here,” recalls Tom Pallembaro, who lives three houses down from the Panas family. No matter how long they’ve known the family, it’s still difficult to find the right words to say. Beth Withers who lives at 3081 Cedar Street explains, “You say,’ Hi, how are you doing?’ But you already know how they’re [The Panas family] doing.” Despite this, they are still there to lend a helping hand.
The general consensus on this block is that the residents are extremely close, “They’re like family,” said Ryan Panas, Billy’s cousin who lives at 3082 Cedar St. The evidence of the friendship is not only visible through the support the Panas family has received, but also through Billy’s actions in life.
According to Ryan Panas, Billy Panas would often play basketball with the kids in the neighborhood. Withers also noticed that, “He [Billy] was always out here with the kids.” Katie Berry said her children referred to Billy Panas as “cousin Billy.” Since Berry and her children live a few doors down at 3080 Cedar St., he was always taking them outside to play sports or to go to the park.
Seeing as Billy Panas had a good relationship with his neighbors and the people of Port Richmond, it’s no surprise that they have shown much support to the Panas family during their time of need. “People show up for rallies, display their ribbons and bring us food,” said Wiliam Panas Sr. Ryan Panas also described many of the local kids wearing blue hooded sweatshirts with the Cadillac symbol in memory of Billy Panas.
After the unfortunate loss of the younger Panas, the residents of this particular block are even closer. Jimmy Holmes, who has lived at 3073 Cedar St. for 36 years, has found no change in their closeness after the tragedy. Holmes said, “We all stick together. Everybody is tight around here.” The intimacy of the block is reinforced by Withers as she explains the blocks dynamic prior to this event. “If someone has an issue, everyone knows…we do what we can.” Withers also acknowledges that “tragedy always brings you together.” While William Panas Sr. finds the compassion of the neighborhood heartwarming, he must admit that “It also hurts.”
This pain isn’t something only adults can feel. After Panas’ death Berry found it difficult breaking the news to her children. “How do you tell them that the cop is the good guy, when he just shot their friend?” Since he was so close to her children, it was very upsetting for them to lose their “cousin Billy.” She went on to say that her daughter, who was five years old at the time, still won’t talk about what it.
Billy Panas was shot on Elkhart Streeet across from the home of Frank Tepper and his family. In this location a memorial was built. On Edgemont Street, which intersects with Elkhart Street, is yet another sea of bows. Even with Tepper’s house at the end of their block, these residents are not afraid to defend the Panas family,
Dorothy Wasiek, who lives at 3060 Edgemont St., sympathizes with the Panas family. “I feel bad for the family because I know what they’re going through,” she said. “You don’t go outside waving a gun.” Wasiek has lived in Port Richmond for 50 years.
Driving around Port Richmond, you will see an abundance of houses displaying orange bows in for Billy Panas. But on this particular Cedar Street block where he lived, almost every house has a bow. This was the block that Billy grew up on. This was the block that lived and breathed with him and these are the people who saw him every day. The residents here are family and their tight relationship has carried them through this tragedy. The pain of Billy’s death is still very much present, but the residents are all supporting each other and getting through it the best that they can.
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