COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Eleanor Panzarella Jobbagy works in Jamaica and is a member of the Jamaica Neighborhood Advisory Council. She has also been a participating member of the Friends of Rufus King Park.
As part of her co-lateral duties, she is the vice president/treasurer for the Board of Directors of Jamaica Kids, Inc. (JKI). JKI provides oversight for its onsite childcare center that delivers quality, affordable child care for children of employees and the community. Closer to home, she is on the Board of Directors of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce.
PERSONAL: Born in Ozone Park to Madeline and the late Vincent Panzarella, Jobbagy attended St. Mary Gate of Heaven elementary school and graduated from John Adams High School in Ozone Park.
After graduating high school, she began working at the Social Security Administration, where she met her late husband, Joe. After they were married, they settled in Rosedale where they resided until 1993.
“It was during those Rosedale years that I joined the Per Sempre Ladies Lodge, Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA),” she said. “After several years as an active member, I joined the council, worked my way through the chairs and served as President from 2001-2005. In 2008 I was elected State Trustee for New York OSIA’s District III, and after being re-elected this year, I continue to serve in that capacity. In addition to serving on various committees including co-chairing New York State OSIA’s Walk for Education and Culture, I serve as Treasurer of OSIA’s Commission for Social Justice — the anti-defamation arm of OSIA.”
PROUDEST MOMENT: “When my niece became an aunt and told me that she wanted to be the type of aunt to her nephews that I was to her and her brothers.”
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “While life is full of challenges, my biggest challenge at this point is raising enough money to keep the tuition assistance program I administer for Jamaica Kids financially sound.”
FAVORITE MEMORY: “My favorite memory is very recent,” said Jobbagy. “On Sunday, October 17, I had a dinner for my mother in celebration of her 90th birthday. Her look of genuine happiness as she celebrated with family and friends is one I will never forget.”
INSPIRATION: Jobbagy said her parents inspire her.
