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.
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
Love Tony & Marty
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.
Bob, Tricia and Griffin Atchison
One of many wonderful memories of 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.
Bonnie and John (Ange) Kelly
My love and prayers to the Palmano Family.
Irene
With much love and caring,
Bill & Lisa Cannavino
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!
Love,
Michelle Hochfelder and family
Rich will be very much missed.