PALUMBO John Anthony, died peacefully on July 15, 2018. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Nancyetta Sandusky Palumbo and grandson John Anthony Palumbo III. John was born on May 24, 1921 in Schenectady, New York, to Giuseppe and Sanina (Buonome) Palumbo. He was the oldest of 4 children, having 3 sisters: Josephine Palumbo Vegezzi, Pasqualina Palumbo Demi, and Antoinette Palumbo Johnson, all of Schenectady, New York, and all now deceased. He graduated from Nott Terrace High School, and decided to attend the University of Kentucky because of its boxing program. He had boxed as a youth, winning a Golden Glove. He completed his first two years before he decided to join the Army. World War II was raging. He volunteered for the infantry and was assigned to the 1st Division. After basic training he was sent to England to train for the D-Day landing. He landed on Omaha Beach at H-Hour + 58 minutes. He actually swam ashore as the landing boat he was in received a direct hit and sank. He fought across Europe until V-E Day and received numerous citations, including the WWII Victory Medal and the Bronze Star. After the war, John returned to Lexington and completed his commerce degree from the University of Kentucky. John married Nancyetta on April 10, 1948, after which he attended law school at the University of Kentucky, where he received his Juris Doctor in 1952. After a brief time practicing law, with the Kincaid Law Firm, John took over Savage Lumber Company. (now Palumbo Lumber) John's vision for his company and Lexington started to take shape with the development of Garden Springs Subdivision. John was responsible for numerous developments, including Hermitage Hills, Lakeview Estates, Edgewater Estates, Danby Corners, Pleasant Valley, and Newtown Springs. John was a member of Christ the King, Lexington Country Club, The Lexington Club, Kentucky Bar Association, the Navy League of the United States, Coral Ridge Country Club and Coral Ridge Yacht Club, both of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, and numerous civic organizations. He is survived by son John Anthony (Ruth Ann) Palumbo II; grandchildren, Joseph Edward (Jennifer), James Thomas, and Stephen Baker (Jamie); great-grandchildren, Anna Louise, John Anthony IV, Sanina Lynette, Stephen Baker II, Juliette Franklynne, Jorjanna Fagan; numerous nieces and nephews; and very special caregivers, Charlotte, Kathy, and Carol Ann. All will miss his unique personality and sense of humor. The funeral will take place Wednesday, July 18th at 11am at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church. Burial will follow at the Lexington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bluegrass Hospice Care. www.milwardfuneral.com

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Published by Lexington Herald-Leader from Jul. 17 to Jul. 18, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for John Palumbo

Sponsored by Lexington Herald-Leader.

11 Entries

Dennis Sullivan

July 18, 2018

My deepest condolences to John II (Johnny) and family, children, grandchildren.

I had the pleasure of knowing Mr Palumbo from childhood through adulthood and being a childhood friend with Johnny. As such, I remember well Mr Palumbo and Nancyetta, both of whom were warm and loving people.

I remember clearly the stories of lugging that BAR across Europe, but didn't know he landed on/at D-Day and had to swim ashore. He was mostly quiet about the war, but that was like so many of his generation of True American Heroes.

He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Dennis Sullivan

July 18, 2018

Our heartfelt condolences to John Jr (Johnny) and family. Your Dad was truly one of the heroes of his generation - wading ashore at D-Day. I always remembered his story of lugging his BAR around - awe inspiring, even though he was a bit quiet about as most of his generation was.

I had the joy of knowing him and your Mom, through the years, from childhood forward. They will both be missed.

mark vegezzi

July 18, 2018

Mark vegezzi

July 18, 2018

Uncle Johnny was the best . Was so wonderful to his sisters and nieces and nephews. Couldn't have done college without him. His sisters treated him like the king he was . My mother counted the days until she could cook his favorite macaroni and eggplant parm. She helped raise him after their mother died . All his sisters did . Very great family unit for the 4 of them.
Miss you uncle John

Steven Cool

July 18, 2018

My deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Palumbo. As I recall, he was a good friend of my father and mother, Charles and Mildred Cool (Dad was with Central bank as Exec. VP for many years), and I seem to recall my dad taking me to Savage Lumber occasionally as a child. I believe that Mr. Palumbo's friends called him "Johnny". 97 years old... his family is so fortunate to have had him with them for so long. With respect and regards, Steven Cool.

James Codell

July 18, 2018

Family:

Jeanne joins me in expressing our deepest sympathy on your great loss, as we loved and respected John Palumbo.

July 17, 2018

Sending love and prayers in memory of your loved one. Pat Sutherland

Jim and Debbie Jordan

July 17, 2018

A good man,so sorry for the loss of MR P,he was kind and caring and will be missed by all. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.Debbie and Jim Jordan,Lexington,Ky

wALTER COX

July 17, 2018

a FELLOW LAWYER, GOLFER, FRIEND WAS A GREAT GUY AND WILL BE MISSED BY ALL OF US WHO KNEW HIM.

John G. Sullivan

July 17, 2018

Mr. Palumbo was an icon for decades in Lexington and was responsible for so much of the growth that that we all enjoyed, making Lexington a more vibrant community.

I had the honor of knowing him from my childhood to adulthood through my father who worked at Savage Lumber Company for 30 years and my friendship with John II (Johnny).

May he Rest In Peace.

Hal Leet

July 17, 2018

Condolences to John, Jr., and family. Your dad was an accomplished individual and contributed selflessly to his community. You should be proud of his heritage!

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