Anthony J. Palumbo, M.D.

UTICA – Anthony J. Palumbo, M.D., passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2022, with his loving family by his side. Dr. Palumbo was born in Utica to the late Philip Robert and Marie (Fornaro) Palumbo. He was a graduate of Proctor High School. He was fortunate to meet and then marry his high school sweetheart, the former Phyllis A. Ciruzzi, with whom he shared a blessed union of 57 years. They have two daughters, Joanne and Terese. A bright and talented student, Dr. Palumbo pursued an impressive career that developed with numerous academic pursuits. His first academic achievement was earned at Clarkson University, where Dr. Palumbo gained his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He is the first graduate engineer in Clarkson history to earn distinction as a medical specialist in ophthalmology. While at Clarkson, he was vice president of Alpha Chi Rho and a member of the Pershing Rifles Drill Team. He first worked as a Research Scientist at Masonic Research Lab, where Dr. Palumbo carried out a DNA study on aging. Dr. Palumbo then went on to earn his master’s degree and doctorate in medicine and surgery, cum laude, from the renowned University of Bologna, Italy. Dr. Palumbo had long harbored a love for helping the visually impaired; this came to be when he read a published story in an Italian magazine about five sightless children born with congenital cataracts from the same family. He kept this story close to his heart and it inspired him throughout his career in the field of ophthalmology. Following graduation from the University of Bologna, Dr. Palumbo completed his residency and fellowship at St. Mary’s Hospital/Rochester Eye Institute in Rochester, NY. He became Chief Resident of Ophthalmology, which he earned in his last year within the residency program. Additionally, Dr. Palumbo completed an ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship at the prestigious Manhattan Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital. Finally, Dr. Palumbo dedicated some time to completing a fellowship in medical surgical treatments of anterior segment diseases, including glaucoma, cataract and lens implantation, corneal, and refractive surgeries at Park Ridge Hospital in Rochester, NY. He also undertook a position as a Graduate Teacher at the University of Rochester Eye Institute. He was a pioneer in Laser Refractive Surgery in the Mohawk Valley, subsequently becoming the Director of Ophthalmology at The Dove Eye and Laser Center for 40 years. He added a refractive surgery fellowship in London, England with Dr. John Marshall, who was considered by many scientists “The Father of Refractive Surgery” in 1990 & 1991. As a result of this fellowship, he was proud to be the first to bring Refractive Eye Surgery, PRK, and later LASIK to Upstate New York in 1995. Dr. Palumbo formed a very special bond with his patients. He sincerely cared about their well-being and improved the lives of many through the gift of sight. As a physician, Dr. Palumbo received many prestigious honors. Dr. Palumbo’s alma mater, Clarkson University, awarded him the Golden Knight Award. Faxton-St. Luke’s Health Care System conferred on Dr. Palumbo the Physician CARE Award in 2000, for excellence in patient care and exceptional customer service. Then, in 2001, Dr. Palumbo received the SCROLL Award from the Central New York Academy of Medicine, Inc., in recognition of his meritorious achievement in the advancement of scientific programs and humanitarian attainment. Dr. Palumbo was also chosen as the Humanitarian of the Year in 2003 at the American Diabetes Association Annual Charity Affair. Finally, the Mayor of the City of Utica bestowed on Dr. Palumbo the honor of a proclamation that recognized October 17, 2003 as Dr. Anthony J. Palumbo Day, for his services and contributions to his community. Dr. Palumbo proudly served our country as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. In his three-year tour, he served aboard the USS Fortify and conducted minesweeping operations as an officer of the deck. In addition to these duties, he was the assigned engineering officer of the Ship. Dr. Palumbo’s decorated military service is where he learned the value of discipline, patriotism, and trust in God. Guided by the example of a selfless mother and an empathetic father, Dr. Palumbo had long dreamt of and achieved a life given in service to others. He loved his community with his whole heart. When he was not working, Dr. Palumbo could be found volunteering for a variety of charity programs – including his favorite, the Utica Rescue Mission. While he was helping others, he discovered an inner passion for another hobby – cooking. Dr. Palumbo loved being in the kitchen, whether he was acting as a sous chef or creating masterpieces as Chef Antonio. His family looked forward to his Saturday morning pancakes, traditional homemade turkey soup the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve’s linguini and clams or grilled lamb chops by the pool. His hobby and attention to detail resulted in Dr. Palumbo winning first place for the Utica Rescue Mission’s fundraiser Gourmet Guys to the Rescue three years in a row! He also engaged in more leisurely pursuits: traveling, meeting new people, and spending quality time with family and friends. Dr. Palumbo would light up when sharing stories about the trips of a lifetime: Italy, Switzerland, Hawaii, and China. He furthermore enjoyed reading, fishing, journaling, and watching classic movies. Above all, Dr. Palumbo knew the importance of and practiced counting his blessings. Dr. Palumbo believed in the Catholic Creed, and was a parishioner of St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish – a building and a community that would become his “home away from home.” An active participant in the parish community, he volunteered to chair the parish Hope Appeal in 2003, which became the springboard for future volunteering endeavors. He was a Eucharistic Minister, member of the parish council and an enthusiastic worker at the annual parish festival. Dr. Palumbo found deeply gratifying friendships in his parish community. He always appreciated the teachings of the faith, especially the sacraments, and the ability to draw close to God within its traditions. From his parents to his children & grandchildren, Dr. Palumbo delighted in seeing those he loved enriched by their Catholic beliefs, a strong prayer life, a grateful attitude, and their participation in the St. Mary of Mount Carmel parish life. Dr. Palumbo leaves behind his beloved wife, Phyllis Ann; his two daughters, Dr. Joanne Palumbo Mozloom, Optometrist (husband Peter Mozloom and his son, Steven Mozloom) and Terese Lyn Palumbo, Esq.; and his cherished grandchildren, Anthony and Elise Mozloom. Anthony will be missed by his sister and her husband, Clorinda and Dr. Frank Mondi; and his brother, Philip Palumbo. Dr. Palumbo is also survived by his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and especially his godson, Dominick “Rick” Mondi; as well as his sister-in-law, Terri Reynolds. Dr. Palumbo was predeceased by his in-laws, William R. and Josephine (Amadio) Ciruzzi. Besides his close knit family his unexpected passing will leave a void in the hearts of many friends…they were his “lifeline” on this earth - from his childhood, church, Italian American Heritage Club, dinner dates and coffee get-togethers. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Dr. Palumbo’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 1:00 pm at St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay Street. Regardless of vaccination status, face masks are required to remain in compliance with the state and county mask order. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. The family would like to express their gratitude to the first responders and the ER and ICU staff at St. Luke’s Hospital. “Hugs for Heroes!” Please consider a remembrance in Dr. Palumbo’s name with a donation to the Palumbo Endowed Chemical and Bio-Molecular Engineering Scholarship at Clarkson University online at https://connect.clarkson.edu/register/palumbo_cu_giving, St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish online at https://www.mountcarmelblessedsacrament.com/donate, or the Utica Rescue Mission https://uticamission.org/donate. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The Anthony J. Palumbo, MD and Phyllis A. Palumbo Chemical and Bio-Molecular Engineering Endowed Scholarship supports Clarkson University students from the Mohawk Valley that demonstrate strong commitment to their personal growth and development, exceptional academic accomplishment and motivation. Since its establishment in 2009, this scholarship funded by Dr. and Mrs. Palumbo has supported multiple grateful students who would not have been able to attend Clarkson University had it not been for this generosity.