Charles Palumbo Obituary

Chuckie and family,

I am sorry for your loss. I have a happy memory of your dad one winter when we were all snowmobiling in Burr Ridge. Marty and I tipped over in the ditch and your dad was laughing so hard at us he had to sit down. Although I knew him for a brief time, he was always smiling and very happy in his kitchen! My prayers to you and your family.

With love,

Sue Donnick(anderson)

Dear Palumbo Family, especially Rossetta,



I have very fond memories of Mr. Palumbo. He is in many ways just like my Dad, who passed away over 2 years ago. The surprise party for Mark's graduation from Medical School was in Burr Ridge. I remember Cathie's college party and how I spent the night and helped Mr. P cook Italian Sausage on the grill. My favorite place to be in your home in Burr Ridge was the family room, where Mr. P's chair was. It was just like home to me and my Dad's chair. You came to my wedding, which is almost 17 years ago. And you Mrs. P came to my house warming party, where I danced on the radiator one last time. I have told everyone in my family about the passing of Mr. P. and they all send their love and prayers. For as Cathie said he only passed into you and all his children, grandchildren and every one who knew him.



At the funeral, I sang with such joy in my voice, that many people around noticed. At the end of the funeral a women in front of turned to me and said, "what a beautiful voice". I have not sang like that since my father's funeral.



See Cathie I sing and laugh just like you, you are my mentor.



I will keep you in my prayers and may your sorrow turn into laughter.



Love and Peace,



Mary,Mark,Adam & Emily Miller

Having known Mr.Palumbo and the entire Palumbo family for my entire life, it seems surreal having to write down the memories of a man we all adored. Mr.Palumbo was always MR.Palumbo to me. He was never a Charles or Chuck. He instilled such respect and I must admit,a bit of fear in me. He was such a bear of a man to a little girl! He was always so kind and tolerant of this annoying blonde headed, freckle faced Irish/German kid who was always hanging out at his house eating all his supersot! I will never forget his warm baratone voice asking a kind question or just telling one of his stories. It seems so sad to think that is gone now, but my best friend Cathie Palumbo really does have it right. He really isn't gone. Her amazing eulogy says it all. He has made such a legecy here on earth, that there is now way he will ever be forgotten.

this is just a small note to such a great family.. i have actually known all of you for 14yrs with all of katys stories..but actually only got the real pleasure of meeting you a few months ago.. but i did get the honor of helping where and when i could over the past month.. you all have heard katys reading and it is so true..mr palumbo is still here .. in everyone he ever met.. talked to or even like me ..heard threw loving stroies..but all of his family is loved and always will be..

Dear Cathie and Family,

You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I hope that you are finding support and healing in each other. I was touched by the remembrances that you shared of your father and husband. It is clear he is the heart of a very caring and loving family and he will be missed.

At first, it seems somewhat hard for me to find a specific memory of Charles Palumbo. Whenever I was with the Palumbo family, either at their home or at various events, he remained somewhat in the background, observing the craziness and hilarity of his family and their friends.



But that in itself is part of my memory of him. He always seemed to be standing back and enjoying how happy everyone was that he loved. I got the sense that nothing brought him more satisfaction than seeing his family laughing and enjoying themselves. And every once in a while, he'd toss in a sly deadpan comment in the midst of the revelry that indicated that he was having fun too.



Whether at birthday parties, graduation parties, at his resteraunt or just when I came over to the house and Rosetta was trying to lure me upstairs to see if I heard the noises she was hearing, Charles was always the silent, steady father and husband that exuded pride over the family he had.



My love and best to all of you

To the Palumbo Family,

As I sit down to write my deepest expressions of condolences I find that my verbal skills of comfort are sorely inadequate. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Nancy Lurquin

Continuation by Joy Strzechowski...He teased me about my boyfriends. He knew that I loved his meatballs and eggplant best. When I visited the resteraunt, he reminded me that I hadn't drowned my salad enough with my favorite dressing. He humorously pointed out the irony and embarrassing qualities of mine, and did it in a way that helped me appreciate the silliness of myself.

The Palumbo home stocked my favorite condiment in the door of their refridgerator. I'm almost sure that no one else was quite as obsessed with it as I was, as I went through bottles of it on a weekly basis. I'm not sure whole idea it was, maybe not Charles, but that isn't the point. He set a tone, and led an admirable example by which I felt like a permanant fixture in the family. How many "extended" family member homes do you walk into where your favorite steak sauce waits for you with every meal? His home did, and I know that these warm thoughts were extended to every guest if it was possible.

Like many of us, "I never told Charles..." how nice it was for him to listen, with interest, to the mindless ranting of an adolescent, or for tolerating the long visits and loud snickering of a twenty-something, or for knowing that I hated nuts on my canolli and offering me ice cream from the vendors instead.

The most simple experiences and gestures I experienced with Charles really did leave an imprint on my heart. Thank you, Charles.

Since I was a young girl, walking into a room full of Charles Palumbo's presence was like walking on to the set of a sitcom.

Each visit presented a fresh scenario offering cooking classes, observations on mundane tasks, family history or Vaudville worthy performances. I always left anxious for the next episode.

Charles wasn't always the star or the director. The co-stars changed as frequently as the lead. Charles was consistently, however, the leader as the Best Supporting Role. He's the surprised and modest Oscar recipient that we see and appreciate once in a while. The one whose viewing audience says, "Oh! I'm so glad he one, I really like that guy!" Know why? Everyone who walked through the door became a part of his story. REALLY. Charles wanted to to understand and know at least one thing about the people who dropped in on his set- in his personal studio (home) or out on location (anyplace else). He didn't make small talk. He asked sincere questions and if asked, offered sincere answers that were sometimes surprising. Charles had a gentle way with his delivery and made you know that his words came from a place of compassion and honesty.

Years ago, I spent days upon days (that turned into nights and later nights!) in the Palumbo home. Charles would hang out quietly, listening with sometimes a mischievious grin on his face. When the right moment became available, he delivered thoughtful or hilarious comments that flowed easily and naturally. It was as if he memorized a script-it was that quick and witty. Most of the time he enjoyed his surrounding, observing with great amusement (even if his eyes were transfixed on the TV).

Personally, Charles made me feel important. Sometime in the eighties he paid attention to my explanation of the application of Stiff Stuff hairspray. He listened as I went on about how I achieved the height and structural integrity of skyscrapers with my hair...

Dear Palumbo Family,

Thank you for letting me share my thoughts about Charles Palumbo with you.

To me, Mr. Palumbo was the essence of Santa Claus. Whenever I was in his presence, I felt I was near a man who exuded warmth, kindness, generosity, and humor, but never judged. His face lit up around children, and his humility made me want to be near him. I always felt good about who I was around Mr. Palumbo, and simply felt good in his presence...I think that was just who he was, a man who had a way of bringing out the best in people.

I don't know if Mr. Palumbo knew how honored I was to have him as a guest at my wedding, and to have him meet my 3 year old son, but it was like sharing these things with a family member.

One more thing I must tell you, Mr. Palumbo was the first person to try to convert my Jewish husband to Christianity without knowing it. Unfortunately, it didn't work then, but if you can hear me now Mr. P., if you've got any pull, please, give it another go! Nothing would make me happier!

In all seriousness though, to you the family of Charles Palumbo, I pray for your comfort, and healing, and send you my love and support.

To the Palumbo Family:

You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this time. I will never forget your father/husband. One truly fond memory I will share is helping to paint the basement and garage. While I am in the basement painting away, Mr. Palumbo comes down to find out if we need to open another gallon of paint. I tell him that we are fine and we still are working on the first gallon. Which was obviously a shock because he replies..."Only on the first gallon. I bought 5 gallons, here let me show you, THICKER, like this, put it on thicker!!" And wouldn't you know, by putting it on thicker we used all of the paint!:D I will always have wonderful memories of spending time with your father/husband.

The hearts and thoughts of my family are with yours. I only met Mr. Palumbo once, but I know his son, and the man who raised him must have been a good one. And he always will be.



With love,

Aldo

Cathie and Family-

My thoughts and prayers are with you. Knowing Cathie gives insight into the whole Palumbo family, and Charles Palumbo. The words strong, committed and loyal come to mind. God Bless you during this difficult time.

Rosetta, Cathie and Family:

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. My memory of him will always be that big teddy bear who made me feel at home and that I always had a place to go to when I needed it. I have a very vivid and strong picture of him in heaven, sitting with God and having all the answers. I am blessed to have known him and will always have a special place for him in my heart. Thank you all for always being there for me as well. You are a true FAMILY!

Dear Chuck and the rest of the Palumbo family:

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I know the strength that you have inherited from Charles will help get you through this difficult time. If there is anything you need, let me know.

God Bless Charles!!!



Your cousin Michael

Ask anyone. Just say, “Charles or Chuck Palumbo” to anyone who knows him and you will hear the same accolades echoed. He is the ‘go to man’ who has the answers to many of life’s mysteries from “how long do I cook this roast?” to “my car is making this funny noise.” I don’t know if he realizes the immense amount of respect everyone has for him and how everyone views him. When he walks in a room there is this presence…just because of who he is and how he treats people. He is a natural born leader who leads from the heart.



I believe everyone has a role in this world. My father’s role is to be an example to others…to show them how they should live:

•To be giving and selfless.

•To be strong, protecting those you love and providing them with unconditional love and support.

•To be humble.

•To make the best sauce (along with my mother) that is second to none.

•To be determined and not let any life event or any person keep you down.



When someone’s physical life ends, we move all too easily from is to was. My dad is very much alive and will be for a very long time, because:



•Charles Palumbo is Gina McCormack –humble, gracefully accepting the praise and respect from others all the while thinking, “I didn’t do anything so special, it’s just who I am.”

•He is Paul McCormack – inventive, always thinking…“how does this work? I wonder if I can take it apart and put it back together.” And he usually does!

•He is Stephanie Palumbo – deep thinking, kind and always thinking of how to make someone else happy.

•He is Gracie McCormack – seeking justice and what is “fair and equitable,” always wanting to right the wrongs of the world.

•He is Rebecca Palumbo – the quiet observer who takes it all in and sees the strength in others that she has herself and doesn’t even know it.

•He is Clare McCormack – more determined than any one I know. If you need something done, she’s there to help. No need to ask her twice.

•Charles Palumbo is Rosetta Palumbo – living her life for her family and always putting the needs of others before her own.



We now have the ultimate, 'go to' man. Dad, we all love you and you will always be.

Dear Cathie,

My prayers, thoughts and love are with you and your family especially during this difficult time.



Love,

Char

Deepest sympathies from the Bond Room at the Chicago Board of Trade.

TJ, Dave, Ed, Francis

Cousin Charles will have a special remembrance in the Mass I offer tomorrow. May he rest in peace.

Dear Chuck and Family,

We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. May the love and concern of family and friends ease your pain during this difficult time. God bless you all.

Very sincerely,

With our Deepest Sympathy..The Cabrera Family

Our sympathies and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.