The Hudson Valley community is mourning the loss of a respected local business leader and philanthropist, Emil Panichi, the founder of Royal Carting Service Company. Emil passed away at the age of 92, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that spans over seven decades of service, leadership, and dedication to the region he called home.
A Legacy Born in Hopewell Junction
In 1955, Emil Panichi and his wife, Emily, took a leap of faith and purchased a small residential rubbish removal business in Hopewell Junction, New York. With a strong work ethic and deep commitment to customer service, they built that modest operation into Royal Carting Service Company, a leading waste management and recycling provider in the Hudson Valley.
From its humble beginnings, Royal Carting grew to serve Dutchess, Ulster, Putnam, Greene, Columbia, and Litchfield counties, employing over 200 people and becoming one of the region’s most recognized and respected names in sanitation and environmental services.
A Family Business That Became a Community Pillar
Throughout the years, Emil remained at the heart of the company’s operations, instilling a sense of family, loyalty, and responsibility that defined the business culture. Employees, customers, and community members alike viewed him not just as a successful businessman, but as a generous and principled leader.
Even after Royal Carting and Welsh Sanitation were acquired by Casella Waste Systems Inc. in 2024, Emil worked to ensure the core values he instilled—community focus, environmental responsibility, and employee appreciation—remained a central part of the company’s mission.
Remembered with Deep Respect and Affection
Royal Carting and Welsh Sanitation shared the news of Emil’s passing through social media, stating:
“We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Emil Panichi, the founder of Royal Carting. In 1955, Emil and his wife, Emily, purchased a small residential rubbish removal company in Hopewell Junction, New York. Through their dedication and hard work, they transformed it into a leading waste management and recycling service in the Hudson Valley.
Emil was known for his unwavering commitment to his family, employees, and community. His leadership fostered a company culture that valued its 200 employees and prioritized excellent customer service. Even after Royal Carting’s acquisition by Casella Waste Systems in 2024, Emil ensured the company’s legacy of environmental responsibility and community support would continue.
Emil’s legacy is one of integrity, hard work, and dedication to those around him. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.”
The post prompted an outpouring of love and admiration from former employees and community members. Many described Emil as the “best boss ever,” highlighting the personal care and respect he showed to every worker, from office staff to drivers on the road.
Tributes from Those Who Knew Him
Brandon Simmons wrote,
“RIP Emil, best boss I’ve ever had. Always taking care of us, making sure we were all treated like family. Right down to pulling your car over to talk to us every time you’d see us picking up stops in Millbrook. You’ll be missed by many!”
Billy Greenlese added,
“One of the greatest bosses ever, took such good care of his employees. Rest easy, Emil.”
Kathy Fulton shared,
“We were so saddened by the news of Emil’s passing. He was so good to my family, and we will be forever grateful for his generosity. My prayers and condolences to the Panichi and Popovich Families.”
Final Farewell
Services for Emil Panichi were held at McHoul Funeral Home in Hopewell Junction on May 8, with a Mass of Christian Burial following at St. Columba Church on May 9.
In lieu of flowers, the Panichi family has requested memorial contributions be made to the following:
-
Panichi Family Charitable Foundation
Attn: Dave Andros
Foundation Source
55 Walls Dr., 3rd Floor
Fairfield, CT 06824 -
Hudson Valley Hospice
542 Violet Avenue
Hyde Park, NY 12538
A Lasting Legacy
Emil Panichi’s impact on the Hudson Valley extends far beyond his business achievements. He created a company that prioritized people and community, a rare standard that has become a guiding principle for those who continue his work today.
As Royal Carting moves forward under new ownership, the spirit Emil built remains. His dedication to service, his care for his employees, and his generosity to his neighbors will continue to inspire generations in the Hudson Valley and beyond.
Emil Panichi was more than a founder—he was a pillar of the community. His memory will live on in the roads his trucks travel, the families he helped support, and the values he championed every day.
Leave a Reply