Michael Paul Palumbo

ITHACA - Michael Paul Palumbo, age 28, went home to the Lord when he passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 7, 2019. Born in New Hartford on August 22, 1991, Michael was the son of Paul J. and Dorothy A. (Otero) Palumbo. He was a graduate of Frankfort-Schuyler Central High School/Class of 2010. Michael earned his undergraduate Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Master’s degree in Higher Education & Student Affairs Administration from Buffalo State University in 2017. He had so hoped to begin his Doctoral program. Michael was a leader and his mission was to assist college students in attaining and maintaining total well-being while facing the rigors of higher education. He aspired to be a great educator. He began his academic career at Buffalo State University as a Resident Assistant and Orientation Leader. Secondly, he served as a Support Services Professional at the Buffalo State School for students with Autism. From 2016-2019 he was the Residence Life Coordinator at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, and in August of 2019, he joined the staff of the Office of Residential Life at Ithaca College as Residence Director, the position he currently held. An energetic and empathetic young man, Michael was purposeful and progressive in his desire to counsel and care for those in his circle of life, whether family or friend. He was an intellectual, poignant and persuasive when discussing politics and speaking his mind to educate others on his viewpoints. He was fortunate to have been raised in a family that loved him deeply and praised his accomplishments. Michael was as humorous and witty as he was humane and wise, attributes he inherited from his dad. His mom was his go-to person and she gave him all her love. To his sister, he was her “rock”, and they shared a strong sibling bond. Holidays were happy times when family gathered and traditions were honored. He loved his mother’s Puerto Rican heritage and hearty cuisine. He had his favorite foods in his younger years, but he ventured into the vegetarian landscape, then transitioned into the vegan, and eventually, back to vegetarian, so his dad threw on an apron and prepared veggie meals to please his son’s palate. In high school, he played soccer, and although he was a Buffalo Bills fan, he recently attended a Michigan College “Wolverines” football game. As a teen, he listened to music of a different genre, and in his 20’s, he wanted everyone to know what sphere of music moved his soul. As Michael matured, he became closer to nature, and he strived to “change the world” by persuading people to be open-minded and proactive in addressing the devastating effects of climate change. His reasons were obvious, — he was his own person and he had a ton of facts to support his theories. Michael stood his ground and held on tightly, …to his hope for a better future. Michael is survived by his parents, Paul and Dorothy; his sister, Malena Palumbo, to whom Michael was a great brother; maternal grandparents, Fred and Linda Otero; paternal grandparents, Anthony and Marie Palumbo; aunts and uncles, Felicia Otero, Richard Otero and Todd Gonyea, Cyndi LaClair and the late Michael Otero, Tom and Maria Palumbo, Sharon and Vinny Ciccone, and Gina and Jimmy Seaman; many cousins; and special friend, Shadae. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Michael’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Thursday morning at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery.

Michael Paul Palumbo

August 22, 1991 - November 7, 2019