Robert J. Palermo

Plaistow, NH: Robert J. Palermo, 85, a former longtime resident of Plaistow, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 15, 2013 at Wingate Nursing Home at Andover, with family at his side.

Born raised and educated in Haverhill, MA, son of the late Ignazio and Lucy (Mirable) Palermo. He attended local schools and was a member of the Haverhill High School Class of 1946. He was married in 1959 to his beloved wife of fifty-four years, Joan (Donahue) Palermo.

After high school, Bob served his country honorably as a "Gunner" in the United States Navy during World War II. Bob led a true entrepreneur's life. He owned and operated several different businesses including Palermo Oil Company, also mining gold, owning race horses, and "Rob's Pizza". He then spent a short time as Regional Sales Manager for Ralston Purina before he was an importer of oil into the country. He also worked as a general contractor building homes, and owned Hales Seafood Restaurant and "The Ice Cream Scoop", which he operated well into his retirement years. Bob was amazingly skilled and equally successful in his endeavors.

Bob's love of golf kept him active year round, wintering in Florida and spending summers at home. He was an active member of the Sons of Italy and a devote member of the Catholic Church.

Mostly Bob's love was his family; he and Joan endlessly hosted family gatherings and holiday parties at their home on East Road in Plaistow. Bob enjoyed playing bocce and horseshoes, but his true loves were golf and playing cards. He could always be found playing 45's, whist, gin, or any other card games.

Bob was preceded in death by his daughter Karen and is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Joan M. (Donahue) Palermo, three sons and daughters-in-law, Robert J., Jr. and Chrissy Palermo of Marblehead, MA, Michael J. and Audra Palermo of Andover, MA, and Richard J. and Pilar Palermo of Portsmouth, a son-in-law, Kevin Malloy of Londonderry, his sister, Lucy Burke of Haverhill, MA, eight grandchildren, Kelcie, Kirsten, Jessica, Leah, Mia, Cecilia, Aiden, and Dylan, and many members of his extended family. He was also the brother of the late Salvatore "Sam" Palermo and the late Joseph Palermo.

Relatives and friends may call on Sunday, August 18, 2013 from 6-8 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main Street, Route 121A, Plaistow, NH. His funeral will be held on Monday at 9:00 a.m. from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in All Saints Church, 120 Bellevue Avenue, Haverhill, MA. Military honors will immediately follow the Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA.