Richard Santo Palmano (December 26, 1951 - June 03, 2017)

In loving memory of
Richard Santo Palmano
  • December 26, 1951
  • -
  • June 03, 2017

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Obituary

Richard Santo Palmano, of Winter Park, passed away from heart failure at the age of 65 on June 3, 2017, surrounded by his loved ones.

Richard was born in Utica, NY to Santo and Doris (Zambon) Palmano.  He grew up playing sports, made his way through college as a pool shark, and as an adult was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast.  Beyond his love of sports, Richard was a talented singer and pianist who was legendary for leading rousing sing-alongs around the piano at parties.  He also enjoyed cooking and frequently hosted gatherings with family and friends.  Richard had a special knack for making people feel welcome.  He was always looking out for those in need and would do anything to help someone when he could.

His main career in life was as a manufacturer representative until December of 2001, when he and his wife Teresa opened Palmano’s Café in downtown Winter Park.  During the nearly 14 years that they owned it, the café became known as the local’s coffee spot, a place in which friendships, businesses and community were built.  Richard cherished the friends that he made at the café.  They were what drove him to wake before the sun rose each day in order to make them a coffee, often times one they did not order but drank anyway.

In its early years, Palmano’s Café had a slogan, “Hard to Find, Impossible to Forget”.  Richard Palmano is a true reflection of that expression.  He was compassionate, funny, and supportive, a great friend, husband and father.

He is preceded in death by his mother Doris, father Santo, sister Cynthia, and daughter Renee Marie Palmano.  Richard is survived by his loving wife Teresa, his son Richard, daughter-in-law Michelle, grandchildren Sofia, Caleigh, Conner, Gunner, Adelia, and Cannon, stepchildren Jamie and Jay, siblings Barbara, John, Mary and Annie and his favorite four-legged companion Latte.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 9:30am at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park, FL.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association at 237 E. Marks Street

Orlando, FL 32803 or https://donatenow.heart.org/?s_src=NAV

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and physicians in the Cardiac Critical Care Unit at ORMC, as well as the residents and staff at The Legacy Club golf course in Alaqua Lakes, where he enjoyed his last round of golf with his wife and best friend, Teresa.


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  1. Nancy and Jack Miles lit a candle:
    23 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 23, 2017 at 6:43:28 PM

  2. Monica Petith says:
    23 Jun 2017
    Teresa,
    Richard lite up many mornings for Graham and I at Palmano's with more than his delicious coffee. It could be a responsive twinkle in his eye and laughter, a thought, a community plan, a grumpy rumination or a joke. He was present and engaged. He gave of himself to the moment and made a personal connection. He lite up our mornings. I am grateful for his presence in our lives and I shall remember him with warmth and affection.
    I am so sad for your loss, Teresa. It was clear to all what a deep bond you two had and how much you adored each other. The sudden loss of your soul-mate is a shocking, disorienting twilight. May your memories and your present, quiet conversations with him console you and help you to heal.
    I also send my condolences to your family. May your shared grief bring you all closer together.
    Big hugs and love from my heart that aches for you, Monica

  3. Anthony & Marty Bompezzi says:
    22 Jun 2017
    Our hearts are filled with sorrow! We will miss you so! Rest in Peace our Dear Friend!!
    Love Tony & Marty

  4. Peter & Karen Brethauer says:
    21 Jun 2017
    Our hearts go out the Palmano family. We loved your patriarch Richard. He had the unique ability to bring people of all types together over a common cause. Life! We cherish our friendship with Richard and Theresa and the time spent at the Palmano's Cafe Espresso Bar. A life time of good memories and friends.

    Richard will be bringing us all together again on Saturday, June 24th. We will miss you and know you will be watching over us all at your gathering. Enjoy your heavenly wine and cigar Richard.

  5. Bob & Tricia Atchison says:
    17 Jun 2017
    We just heard about Richard's passing and are so sorry. We will miss him tremendously. Richard was a kind and funny guy, and we loved seeing him at his namesake coffee shop. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Teresa, and with all your family.

    Bob, Tricia and Griffin Atchison

  6. Christie posted an image:
    17 Jun 2017
    One of many wonderful memories of Rich
    One of many wonderful memories of Rich

  7. Laura & Wil Armstrong says:
    15 Jun 2017
    Thank you our dear Richard and Teresa for creating an incredible community in Winter Park! Your legacy continues in the friendships that were made not only with you, but with people that connected because of you. I am so happy, Richard, that one of the last photos I took was a selfie of you and me, so I see it every day when it comes up on my photos. And I never minded when you told me "You want a latte" when I ordered a cappuccino. And I always agreed to whatever wine you suggested I drink on Fridays at your cafe. Thank you for inviting us over to your lovely home for Italian dinners and parties. Thank you for making our lives more fun and full. We love you very much. Laura & Wil

  8. Daniel Hemp lit a candle:
    15 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 15, 2017 at 6:20:49 PM

  9. Frank and Wini Hagy says:
    15 Jun 2017
    Dearest Rich,
    To say you will be missed is like describing the ocean as simply "a big body of water". There are so many facets to you, listing them all is impossible. You and Teresa were the "glue of friendship" at Palmano's......amazing what can happen over a cup of coffee! We will always see you sitting in "your" corner of the spa, puffing away on a cigar with wine in hand, you and Frank solving the world's problems! Rest assured that we will take care of your beloved Teresa. Through our hearts are broken, we have faith that God's timing is never wrong, and we rejoice that you are once again holding Renee. Rich, you are and will always be missed.

  10. Bonnie kelly says:
    15 Jun 2017
    Dear Teresa and family: We are saddened to hear the news of Richie passing away. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Lots of good memories for the Kelly family at the restaurant.

    Bonnie and John (Ange) Kelly

  11. Esther Creo lit a candle:
    15 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 15, 2017 at 6:47:11 AM

  12. Claudia & Keith says:
    14 Jun 2017
    Teresa, Keith and I will always treasure the "Friday Night Wine Down" and the Palmano Wine Dinners. What special memories we have of Rich and the Christmas Eve Egg Nog. He always brought a smile to our faces. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.

  13. James and Donna Thorndyke lit a candle:
    13 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 13, 2017 at 6:24:47 PM

  14. James and Donna Thorndyke says:
    13 Jun 2017
    Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family on the loss of your loved one Richard. God Bless and we love you. SisUBRT

  15. Irene says:
    13 Jun 2017
    So many special memories never will be forgotten...always in my heart and thoughts.
    My love and prayers to the Palmano Family.
    Irene

  16. Neel and Sejal Patel lit a candle:
    12 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 12, 2017 at 6:36:49 PM

  17. neha sanghrajka lit a candle:
    12 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 12, 2017 at 6:22:07 PM

  18. Peter & Abi Moore says:
    12 Jun 2017
    So very sad for your loss. He was always so kind to everyone. What a fixture your family has been to this city. You're all in our prayers.

  19. Daniel & Jennifer Maier lit a candle:
    12 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 12, 2017 at 6:18:56 PM

  20. Bill & Lisa Cannavino says:
    12 Jun 2017
    Our hearts are broken, but all the wonderful and special memories of times spent with Rich and Teresa will be forever in our hearts and bring a smile.
    With much love and caring,
    Bill & Lisa Cannavino

  21. Lisa Cannavino lit a candle:
    12 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 12, 2017 at 6:01:54 PM

  22. Craig O'Neil says:
    12 Jun 2017
    Teresa, Richie, and loved ones, I am so very sorry for your loss. It was always a pleasure seeing Rich at the coffee shop every morning and he brightened my days. I am keeping you in my prayers for comfort and strength, and I am here for you when you need someone to lean on. I love you my dear friend Teresa. God bless. XO

  23. Clarissa Howard lit a candle:
    12 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 12, 2017 at 6:52:30 PM

  24. Craig O'Neil lit a candle:
    12 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 12, 2017 at 6:49:23 PM

  25. Theresa Broman lit a candle:
    12 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 12, 2017 at 6:21:51 PM

  26. Theresa Broman lit a candle:
    12 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 12, 2017 at 6:21:19 PM

  27. Stephanie Johnston lit a candle:
    12 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 12, 2017 at 6:55:54 AM

  28. Gunner Bingham lit a candle:
    12 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 12, 2017 at 6:03:21 AM

  29. Gunner Bingham lit a candle:
    12 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 12, 2017 at 6:02:13 AM

  30. Cousin Joe Doyle lit a candle:
    12 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 12, 2017 at 6:18:12 AM

  31. Aunt Sandy Doyle lit a candle:
    11 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 11, 2017 at 6:28:09 PM

  32. Reynard and Kathy McClusky lit a candle:
    11 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 11, 2017 at 6:33:55 PM

  33. James and Carolyn Gilby says:
    11 Jun 2017
    You came into our life when you fell in love with my sister Teresa and although your time with her was too short, the memories you two shared will last her a lifetime.
    Thank you Richard for giving her your love and a romance to remember! Hoping Teresa, Ritchie and the family find comfort through the love of the many friends you touched during your short time with us!

  34. Harvey and Tina Quick lit a candle:
    11 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 11, 2017 at 6:20:37 PM

  35. James and Carolyn Gilby lit a candle:
    11 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 11, 2017 at 6:07:54 PM

  36. Sunit Sanghrajka lit a candle:
    11 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 11, 2017 at 6:07:05 AM

  37. David Meltz lit a candle:
    11 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 11, 2017 at 6:46:24 AM

  38. Patti and Bob lit a candle:
    10 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 10, 2017 at 6:20:20 PM

  39. Patti and Bob lit a candle:
    10 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 10, 2017 at 6:19:16 PM

  40. Patti and Bob lit a candle:
    10 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 10, 2017 at 6:18:17 PM

  41. Patti and Bob lit a candle:
    10 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 10, 2017 at 6:17:36 PM

  42. Sam, Chas & Alana lit a candle:
    10 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 10, 2017 at 6:24:53 PM

  43. Scott and Diane Meltz lit a candle:
    10 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 10, 2017 at 6:48:43 PM

  44. Michelle Hochfelder says:
    10 Jun 2017
    We will miss Richard so much! I have such wonderful memories having dinners, wine at Palmano's and many great laughs together! Memories that will never be forgotten.

    Love,
    Michelle Hochfelder and family

  45. Kurt says:
    10 Jun 2017
    He always was a ball buster!
    Rich will be very much missed.

  46. Christie Alexander says:
    10 Jun 2017
    My friend Richie - you left us way too soon. When we meet in heaven sign me up for cooking classes. I owe you a few thousand lovingly home-cooked fabulous dinners.

  47. Darby Hold says:
    10 Jun 2017
    Our thoughts and prayers go out to Teresa and Richie today and all of his family. We have known, loved and been friends with Rich and Teresa for almost 15 years. We have countless memories of all the times we spent together; the trips to the Keys, the countless laughs over dinners that either Rich so magnificently prepared or Bob and Rich prepared together, sharing a bottle of wine, chats at the coffee shop and the list goes on. Our hearts break today for the loss of a dear friend. He will be sorely missed. We love you, Darby and Bob!

  48. Darby and Bob Hold lit a candle:
    10 Jun 2017
    Lit since June 10, 2017 at 6:39:35 AM

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