Robert A. Palazzo

Mr. Robert A. Palazzo, age 53, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 14, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his family by his side. Born in Utica on June 10, 1954, Robert was the son of the late Ralph E. and Josephine (Venturino) Palazzo. Raised and educated in Utica, he was a 1972 graduate of T. R. Proctor High School and an alumnus of Utica College with a degree in political science. He was also trained as a paralegal at Adelphi University in Long Island. On May 21, 1977 he married the former Pam Marafioti with whom he shared 30 years in a compatible and loving relationship graced with a mutual dedication to each other. Bob and Pam complimented each others personalities, especially as parents. Bob began his employment as Director of Research at the Management Resource Center in Utica and subsequently worked as Director of Human Resources at Fujitsu – ICL Systems. On May 2, 1994 he joined SUNYIT as Assistant Director of Career Services where he served on numerous committees during his 15 year tenure at the college. He concurrently taught part-time at H.C.C.C. His career paths were enhanced by his standards of excellence and his ability to be present and aware of the needs of others. Bob was admired for his strength of character which was evident in the manner in which he committed himself to relationships and his overall endeavors. He was a respectful man who strived for high ideals and standards which made him a great role model. He promoted and encouraged an open relationship with his daughters, and so often looked forward to spending precious time doing things that were important to them as well as inviting them to partake in the enjoyment of activities most important to him. All who knew Bob were aware of his witty personality and the art of delivery that was always intended to lighten a mood. Endowed with civic and community pride, he was very active as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Oneida County Historical Society, where he was a longtime volunteer responsible for numerous displays and exhibits. He was a member of the Mohawk Valley Society of Human Resource Management, president of NY Dollars for Scholars, and a founding member of the Proctor Class of ’72 Reunion Committee. Bob’s devotional life was just as committed and involved as his public life. As a faithful parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church, he was a Past President of the Parish Council, served on the Finance Committee, was Chairperson of the Hope Appeal Campaign, past-secretary of the Holy Name Society, and very active with the Heritage Campaign, the annual St. Anthony Feast, the Sts. Cosmo & Damiano Feast, and the church-sponsored Chicken BBQ’s and fish fries. Among his favorite pastimes were supporting sporting events, especially those of the N.Y. Yankees and the N.Y. Jets, collecting varied memorabilia, appreciating nature and the amazement and uniqueness of God’s creatures, and in more recent years, favoring his time in the kitchen as an amateur chef. Bob is survived by his wife, Pam; his daughters, Jennifer Palazzo of Albany, and Lindsay Palazzo of Utica; his sister and brother-in-law, Marlene & Scott Tayler of Ilion; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sam and Ann Marafioti of Ft. Meyers, Florida. Survivors also include his sister-in-law, Jessie Marafioti; his nieces and nephews, Nathan Marafioti and fiancée Nicole Slater, Peter Marafioti, and Jessie Marafioti; Adrienne Sansone and fiancé Nicholas Paoni, Anthony Sansone, and Marcella Tayler; his cousins; his aunts and uncles, Frank and Carmella (Cam) Venturino of Palmyra, NY, Tim and Genevieve Venturino of Syracuse, and Nancy Venturino of NJ. He was also blessed with many wonderful friends throughout the years. He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Louis and Maria Palazzo; maternal grandparents, Sebastian and Ettorina Venturino; aunts and uncles, Joe Venturino, Edgar and Madeline Palazzo, Lena and Geno Mancini, Fannie and Joe LoGalbo, and Theresa and Frank Seppi; and his brother-in-law, Pat Marafioti. The family is grateful to Bob’s family physician, Dr. Christopher Clark, for all his dedication and support throughout the years and especially over the past four weeks. A special thank you is extended to his longtime childhood friend, Emmett Martin, who visited Bob daily and with much dedication during his recent illness. Visitation will be held Monday (today) from 5:00-8:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. By family request, please omit floral offerings. Robert’s funeral service will commence on Tuesday morning at 9:00 from the funeral home and at 10:00 at St. Anthony of Padua Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Robert A. Palazzo

June 10, 1954 - March 14, 2008