Ralph J. Palermo

Ralph J. "Butch" Palermo, Jr., age 77, passed away on Monday, October 24, 2022, in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  Born in Framingham, Massachusetts on March 29, 1945, he was the son of the late Ralph J. and Anne R. (Zichella) Palermo.  He was raised in Framingham, where he graduated from Framingham High School with the Class of (1962).  Following his graduation, Ralph enlisted in the Army National Guard of Massachusetts, proudly serving his country during the Vietnam War.  He served as light vehicle driver, transporting soldiers and was skilled with a rifle, earning Expert and Marksman badges.  He was honorably discharged in June of 1970, after earning the rank of Private First Class.  Upon his return home to Framingham, Ralph began taking courses at Boston College and took a position with Prudential Life Insurance, working as an underwriter. 

In 1976, Ralph made his home in Dedham, Massachusetts, before settling in Westwood in 1978, where he welcomed his son, Joseph, and five years later, Ralph moved his family to Walpole, Massachusetts, where he welcomed his daughter, Marie, and son, Anthony.  Ralph's career as an underwriter brought him to the Boston Mutual Life Insurance Company, where he worked for many years before moving to Rockville, Maryland in 2001, taking a position with the Banner Life Insurance Company.  While living in Maryland, Ralph met his soon to be wife, Patricia, whom he married 2007, and together, they made their home in Woodbridge, Virginia.  Once settled in Virginia, Ralph took a position with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company- remaining with the company through the Brighthouse buyout, where he continued his career as an underwriter until his retirement in 2018.  More recently, in 2020, Ralph and Patti made their home in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Throughout his life, Ralph loved watching the birds around his home, providing feeders and houses for them to nest in.  Inside his home, Ralph maintained an ever-growing collection of model cars and trains.  However, his prized possession was always his big tank full of tropical fish, that he had in his home.  No matter where he lived, Ralph's fish tank went with him, even having a small tank next to his bed in the hospice home.

In recent years, Ralph enjoyed venturing out to a local casino to try his luck or meeting with friends at his favorite coffee shop, Dunkin Donuts, for a good conversation.  Back at home, he loved listening to the music of the 1960s, often strumming along with his guitar.  After becoming a grandfather, Ralph took any opportunity to spend time with his granddaughters, cherishing every minute.

Beloved husband of Patricia "Patti"  (Barner) Palermo.

Loving father of Joseph R. Palermo and his wife, Holly, of Blackstone, Marie A. Hosking and her husband, Weston, of Walpole, and Anthony G. Palermo and his significant other, Joanna Fitzgerald, of East Walpole.

Stepfather of Christina Manol and her husband, Joseph, of Florida; and Daniel Mixon Jr. and his wife, Rachel, of Virginia.

Cherished grandfather of Amelia Hosking, Emily Palermo, Olivia Manol, Charlotte Manol, Noah Mixon, and Caiden Mixon.

Brother of Joanne Avey and her husband, Norman, of Northborough.

Uncle of Lauren Gatta of Marlborough and Ryan Avey and his wife, Emily, of Ohio.

Also survived by the mother of his children, Joanne Palermo, of Walpole.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Ralph's Life Celebration on Saturday, November 19, 2022, from 9 to 11 AM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.  A Funeral Home Service will follow at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ralph's name may be made to: The University of Virginia Health Center https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/20649/donations/new

with funds being directed to Hematology and Oncology (14240)