Joseph Palermo

Age 89, of Newport, DE passed away peacefully on Father's Day. June 19, 2011 at the Veterans Hospital in Elsmere, DE after a long illness.
He was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings. He is survived by his wife, Anna (Cusano) Palermo; his 6 children, Salvatore Palermo (wife, Debra), Rossana Palermo, Joseph P. Palermo, Roberto Palermo (wife, Kimberly), Antoinette Baker (husband, Christopher, MD) and Dr. Francis Palermo (wife, Sharon); 15 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Ann Murtaugh of Scranton, PA. His love, exuberance and feisty personality will be greatly missed by all.
Joe was born in Scranton, PA on August 31, 1921, son of the late Salvatore and Rosaria Palermo. He graduated from Dunmore High School, where he lettered in football, basketball and baseball and was the baseball and football captain in his senior year. He attended the University of Scranton on a football scholarship, but his studies were interrupted by WWII.
One of Joe's proudest accomplishments was his service to his country in WWII. He served with the 36th Infantry(T-Patch)Division, attaining the rank of Tech Sergeant. He was wounded during the battle for Monte Casino in Italy in February 1944, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart.He also received numerous other decorations, including two Bronze Stars for valor. He met his wife in Naples during his recuperation and they were married, December 1, 1945 near Naples, Italy.
Joe completed his college education after the war, graduating from the University of Scranton in 1948 with a B.S. degree. He later obtained his Master�s degree in Education from the University of Delaware in 1966. He taught U.S. History and Social Studies at Henry C. Conrad High School from 1948 to 1978 and then at Wilmington High School where he continued to teach until his retirement in 1984.He also coached football and baseball at Conrad for 20 years, winning several baseball conference titles and posting several undefeated seasons.In addition to teaching Joe was Magistrate for the town of Newport during the 1980's.
Joe was an avid sports fan, following his favorite baseball and football teams all his life, and was a high school and college football referee for many years.Even as his health failed and he found it more difficult to get around, he could be found at all the UofD home football games working as an usher.
Joe also loved gardening and always had an abundant and well-cared-for vegetable garden every spring and summer.
Despite Joe's varied interests his highest priority was always his family, he was very proud of his children. He instilled strong values of education and work ethic in all. Joe loved playing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren to whom he was affectionately known as "Gampi".
Joe was a longtime parishioner of St. Matthews Catholic Church in Woodcrest, DE and a member of the Holy Name Society.
Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 pm, Sunday, June 26th, at Nichols-Gilmore Funeral Home, 212 E. Justis Street, Newport, DE 19804. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 9:15 a.m., Monday, June 27th at St. Matthews Church in Woodcrest. Interment will follow at the Delaware Veterans Cemetery, Chesapeake City Rd., Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapter of your choice.