Obituary of Donald F. Palumbo

Donald F. Palumbo, 83, of Guilford, formerly of New Haven, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his adoring, beloved family on June 19, 2018. He was born February 23, 1935 in New Haven to Louis and Louise (Sirico) Palumbo, and raised in the Fair Haven section of the city. Donald is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Anna Marie (Perrotto) Palumbo and their four children; Lisa Skarzynski (Robert), Donald Palumbo, Jr. (Laura), Peter Palumbo, and Anthony Palumbo, Sr. (Lisa); all of whom reside in Guilford; also survived by twelve grandchildren, whom he adored; Maxwell and Ana Maria Skarzynski; Donald E., Matthew, and Gabriel Palumbo; Bradford Lowery; Anthony, Jr., Gabrielle, Nicholas, Mia, Arianna and Luca Palumbo.

Donald is also survived by his beloved brother, Louis Palumbo (Lorraine) of Hamden; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Catherine Maltese (Anthony) of Guilford, Daniel Perrotto (Angelina) of North Haven, and sister-in-law Pauline Palumbo of North Haven, and is survived by numerous nieces and nephews as well.

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, as well as his brother, Edmund “Chic” Palumbo and his wife, Rosemarie Palumbo.

Mr. Palumbo was a stand-out on the Wilbur Cross High School varsity basketball team all three years that he was eligible, including the District Championship winning team of 1953. That same year he was awarded the “Savitt Trophy” in recognition of his Outstanding Sportsmanship.
He was proud of his service in the U.S. Army. Starting as a driver in the motor-pool, he eventually was assigned to work at Army H.Q. in the Pentagon. He served in the Signal Corps as a courier, and received “Top Secret” clearance.

Returning to civilian life, he went back to work as a plumber and later a sheet-metal mechanic at Quality Associates. It was there that he mastered his trade, and also where he became good friends with Salvatore Adinolfi. After a few years of “moon-lighting”, the two men started their own business, Air-Rite Sheet Metal, in 1969. Together, they built a successful, well-respected concern, which provided very comfortable lives for both of their families for nearly forty years.
He enjoyed spending leisure time with his family and friends. An incredibly generous man, he loved to feed people - especially the Italian “peasant food” dishes he prepared with his own special touches. His recipes were delicious - so much so, that he’d get “requests” at holiday times, especially for his stuffed artichokes, or his “pasta e piselli”.
“Captain AirRite” as he came to be nicknamed, was our family’s super-hero, with a heart of gold, full of love.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home) 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven from 10:00 a.m. until 12:40 p.m. at which time the funeral procession will leave for a Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Taylor Ave., East Haven with Committal and Military Honors to follow at All Saints Cemetery, North Haven.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Donald Palumbo to:
Smilow Cancer Center, 111 Goose Lane, #1300, Guilford CT 06437; Connecticut Hospice 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford CT 06405; or St. Vincent DePaul Church (St. Pio), Rt. 80, East Haven CT 06512.