Mike was born and reared in southern Delaware County as the second child of six surviving in the second-generation Italian/American family of Helen and Frank Panfile. As the oldest of the five boys, he was constantly reminded of his family responsibilities especially to his younger brothers, thereby learning ‘fraternity’ early in his life.
His Sacraments, including Marriage to Judy Igo, were all received at Immaculate Conception of Lourdes Church, the ‘Italian’ mission church that his grandfathers helped build in Marcus Hook. It was built in 1917 for the families for whom it was too difficult to travel the few miles to St. Anthony Church in Chester. He attended and graduated from the parish school from the 3rd grade on, when (with help of his father, Frank) its construction was completed.
His involvement with the church started early as an Alter Server, then as a Lector. During his high School years, Mike’s dedication continued as a member of Saint James High School’s Service Club. In his senior year, he chaired the school’s first ‘Open House’, praised by all presenters and attendees.
As an adult he served on various committees, including the Philadelphia Archdiocese Parish Pastoral Planning Council. The parish recognized his dedication to our faith and its church, sending him as a representative to the Archdiocese Delaware County Cluster Planning Council. Later he served the parish in partially successful appeals to the planned closing of the parish.
Outside ‘official’ parish duties, Mike from the earliest age worked with his father and other family members on parish activities including the annual ‘Feast’, the two-week block party and procession celebrating the Assumption, and Our Lady joining her son in heaven.
More recently, he served the Archdiocese as a volunteer for the Papal visit. He wasn’t new to this activity, as he was the Delaware State coordinator for Pope John Paul II’s KofC sponsored visit when he was State Secretary.
With his wife Judy, he attended Archdiocesan training for, and presented the ‘Communication’ and ‘Conflict Resolution’ portions of the parish Pre-Cana classes for over ten years (until the parish closed).
Later, Mike led the formation of a Delaware County chapter of the Interfaith Hospitality Network and served as its first President. The organization uses space in local parishes to house the homeless a week at a time on a rotating basis.
Mike’s natural progression to a service organization and its leadership, continued in 1984, when his cousin, Butch Panco, invited him to join the Knights of Columbus (we joked about how the joining met Butch’s qualification for the recruitment award of a KofC ball cap).
A history of Mike’s 37 years of dedication to the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism, and his contribution to leadership of our order can be seen below. It’s worth mentioning that the year he spent as State Deputy he met his goal to review the programs, functions and duties of the State Council. Many of the resultant items are still in effect today, e.g., Grand Knight Seminar (originally title Grand Knight University). Mike openly admits the successes result from the many recruits and volunteers involved. He always used Abraham Lincoln’s quote, “If successful you take the credit, if not I’ll take the blameâ€.
Worth mentioning also, is the involvement of Mike’s family. His brothers Tim and John, both served as Council officers, with John becoming Grand Knight bringing many new ideas including our first and then annual, Italian Night, featuring exceptional food (mostly family recipes) and entertainment.
Helen (Mike, John and Tim’s mom) called all Council members with whom she so regularly worked, ‘her boys’.
And then there was (is) Judy! Always at Mike’s side and contributing greatly to Christopher Council’s mantra and nick name, “Christopher - The keep you humble Councilâ€.
As you look at the KofC resume, it’s hard to believe the listing was accomplished in Mike’s tenure, and harder to believe he is still willing to do what he can for our success and focus on our Principals.
Please consider allowing him to remain part of the State Leadership team, and vote for him for the 2021-2022 office of State Treasurer.
A brief Mike Panfile KofC Resume:
1984, joined Christopher Council No. 3182
1985-88, filled remaining term as Recording Secretary – reelected for 3 years
1986, Elected to Brandywine Club (Christopher Home) Board of Directors
1989, Selected as DD by SD Wonchoba (unusually, prior to being a GK)
1990-92, Twice Elected GK
1994 to present, Appointed and serve as Financial Secretary of Christopher Council
1992 – 96, Elected to State Offices: SW, SA, ST, SS, SD
1996, 1997, 2010, 2020 – Served as DE Delegate to Supreme Conventions
1995, Organizer of DE KofC J-PII Papal visit
1990-96, Elected F Captain, F Navigator, F Admiral of Mardaga assembly
1997-2001, Elected F Comptroller of Mardaga Assembly
1998 - 2002, twice Elected Faithful Master of DE
2000, Organized DE celebration of 100th Anniversary of the 4th Degree
2004 – KofC Delaware Family of the Year
2010 to Present, President of the Columbus Monument Committee
2015 and 2018, Elected President of Brandywine Club
2018-20 Elected State Warden, State Advocate
2021 Elected State Treasurer
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