(9/1/1925 - 8/8/2026)

Palma Joan Raphael Agnello of Upper Makefield Township, PA died on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Pickering Manor Memory Care in Newtown, PA. She was 100 years old and only three weeks shy of celebrating her 101st birthday. Born in Hazleton, PA, she was the daughter of the late Carmella and Louis Avillion. Pam was predeceased by her husband, Joseph S. Agnello; beloved sister and brother-in-law, Dolores Gebauer and Gordon 'Charlie' Gebauer, Sr.; and son, Joseph Agnello, Jr., MD.

Early in her adult life, Pam felt called to the medical profession and in 1943, she graduated from Paine Hall, New York, NY with a certification as a Medical Technologist. She took her knowledge and expertise to Columbus Hospital, Newark, NJ where she worked as a lab tech for a few years. In 1945, Pam attended a fraternity party at Newark College of Engineering (now the New Jersey Institute of Technology) where she met her future husband of 74 years, Joseph Agnello. The couple was outgoing and adventurous, quickly developing a lifelong friendship with 6 other fraternity brothers and their wives. This group of couples was later named the Magnificent 7. The group's friendship spanned over 65 years during which they got together at least once a month for costume and Christmas parties, picnics, dances, dinners, family weddings, christenings, and birthdays. Pam, sadly, was the last of the Magnificent 7, but we imagine they are having one heck of a party in the next world.

In 1969, with a joint passion for the sport of tennis and an unbreakable work ethic, the two bought 13 acres in what was then mostly undeveloped land in Washington Crossing, Upper Makefield, PA. They built two indoor tennis courts and created a small onsite living quarters, which became home to the couple and their four children. Through the years, the business, Bucks County Racquet Club, grew to 6 indoor and 5 outdoor courts, with a full-service pro shop and teaching academy. In the early 2000s, Pam and Joe retired from the day-to-day operation of the club, passing the reins to their son, Robert, and daughter, Donna, who continued to run the family business until it was sold in 2022, marking 52 years of family ownership. Three generations of the family worked at the club over the years, including several of their grandchildren. It became not only one of the couple's proudest achievements but also served as home to many cherished memories and family celebrations. Pam and Joe championed many philanthropic charities throughout the years via their business. They were the recipients of several prestigious awards in the industry, including Best Tennis Club in Bucks County for multiple years, and in 2010 received Club of the Year by the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) organization, a local non-profit they both cared deeply for. In addition to tennis, Pam was an avid ballroom dancer and golfer. It is through sport that Pam formed lifelong friendships and expressed herself through movement.

Pam's loved ones will remember her for her warmth, graciousness, intelligence and humor. She set a shining example of what it is to be loving and understanding. Pam viewed the world through a calm, guided and compassionate lens. It is her natural wisdom, balanced alongside wit and loyalty, that leaves many better for having known her.

She is survived by two sons, Robert Agnello and his spouse, Russell Drisch, and Mark Agnello; daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Mark Delucia; six grandchildren, Gabriel Agnello, Ph.D., and wife Stacey Sturick, Anthony Agnello and wife Katherine Donohue-Agnello, Antonina Delucia, Kara Delucia, Courtney Agnello, and Aiden Agnello; two great-grandchildren, Layne and Lyra Agnello; her niece, Pam Gebauer; and nephew and wife, Gordon Gebauer, Jr. and Tina Shoup.

A graveside service will be held at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA, on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Pam's memory to the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) of Trenton, a nonprofit organization that provides tennis, education, and enrichment programs to youth from under-resourced communities. NJTL of Trenton was especially meaningful to Pam, reflecting her lifelong passion for tennis and her commitment to helping young people thrive through the sport she loved.

To make a donation in Pam's honor, visit www.njtloftrenton.org.

Arrangements are under the care of the FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home 17 S. Delaware Avenue Yardley, PA 19067. Condolences for the family can be left at www.fitzgeraldsommerfuneralhome.com.