Allen Neil Panfile, Sr.

The Panfile family has endured more heartbreak in the last fifteen months than they ever imagined possible. On June 30, 2026, Allen Neil Panfile, Sr. (“Al”), peacefully left this world at the age of 78, joining those who had gone before him, including his beloved son, Joshua, and Diane, the mother of his children and lifelong friend, whose loss he carried deeply.

Al was born on June 3, 1948, in Hackensack, New Jersey, to William and Alice Panfile. He was raised on Libby Avenue in Ridgewood, alongside his loving parents and his brother, Bill, all of whom predeceased him. Al graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1966 and remained close friends with many of his classmates throughout his life.

After high school, Al left New Jersey to attend Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa, where he initially pursued pre-med studies. During his first year, he realized medicine was not the right path for him and chose to pursue a different career. While attending college, he met the love of his life, Diane, a Storm Lake native. The young couple eventually moved to Vermont, where they began raising their family. Over the years they also lived in Ho-Ho-Kus, Oradell, and Waldwick before purchasing their dream home in Mahwah in 1986, where they settled with their five children.

Although their marriage eventually ended, Al and Diane never stopped being family. Life came full circle after the passing of Al’s second wife, Margie. Diane welcomed him back into her home with the compassion and generosity that defined her, allowing them to spend their later years supporting one another and remaining close with the family they had built together. Their friendship became a beautiful example for their children and grandchildren that love and family can take many forms.

Al worked as a construction foreman for most of his life. He could build or repair just about anything and took great pride in teaching those skills to his children. He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson, cultivating orchids in his greenhouse, fishing and camping every year with his father and sons at Lake Winnipesaukee, and spending countless hours gardening. In recent years, he was an active member of the Wyckoff Gardening Club.

Known for his playful sense of humor, Al loved making his children and grandchildren laugh. A visit to his home often meant being unexpectedly sprayed with a water gun while relaxing on the couch, having a party popper tossed beside you in the kitchen, or hearing an air horn blast while you were peacefully watching television. His mischievous spirit and contagious laughter will be deeply missed.

Al is survived by his children, Troy Allen, Allen Neil (Claire), Cory Allen (Heather), and Amanda Lynn(Michael). He is now reunited in Heaven with his beloved wife, Diane, and his youngest son, Joshua Allen, who both passed away within the last 15 months.

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Bella, Brayden, Ellie, Aiden, Annabelle, Isabella, Alivia, Logan, Andrew (Dana), Tyler (Maria), Gavin (Ariah), and Riley (Joseph), all of whom will forever remember his unforgettable antics, practical jokes, and legendary jump scares.

For the past four years, Al’s greatest companion and constant source of joy was his beloved dog, Lola. She gave him purpose, routine, and companionship throughout his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, keeping him active and rarely leaving his side. Whether helping him in the yard, running laps through the house, or simply following him from room to room, Lola was his faithful shadow.

The family is grateful that Lola has been welcomed into the home of a family member, where she remains surrounded by familiar faces, loving pet siblings, and seven acres to explore. Unfortunately, Lola has ongoing medical needs that require a specialized diet, daily medications, and frequent veterinary care.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Al’s memory to make a contribution toward Lola’s continued care by sending a donation via Zelle to his daughter, Amanda Sprofera (asprofera@yahoo.com), who will ensure the funds are used for Lola’s ongoing medical and daily needs. Those who prefer may instead make a donation to Everyday Heroes Dog Rescue, 12 Whites Lane, Waldwick, NJ 07463, the organization that gave Lola a second chance at life. Supporting either of these causes would have meant the world to Al.

In keeping with his generous spirit, Al made the selfless decision to donate his body to science. Although he will not be physically present, his children and grandchildren know his spirit will be with them. Family and friends are invited to join them for visitation and remembrance at Vander Plaat Funeral Home in Wyckoff, New Jersey, on Wednesday, July 8,2026 4pm -7pm with a 6pm Words of Remembrance

Though our hearts are broken, there is peace in knowing that Al’s suffering has ended and that he is once again surrounded by those he loved so dearly. We picture him reunited with Joshua, Diane, his parents, his brother Bill, and Margie—perhaps tending a garden, casting a fishing line, and undoubtedly finding a way to make everyone laugh again. His lessons, his laughter, and the love he gave so freely will remain with all who knew him

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