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Richard Canali Obituary

Canali, Richard L.

Horseheads: Age 58, passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2012 at St. Joseph's Hospital. Rick was born December 31, 1953, in Elmira, the son of Louis and Bernice (Bombaski) Canali. In addition to his parents he is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years Mary Elizabeth Frank Canali; sister and brother-in-law Georgeen C. and Salvatore Madonna, Penfield NY; niece, and goddaughter, Teri A. Madonna, New York City; uncle and aunt Thomas and Jane Canali, Sebring FL; along with several cousins. Rick was a 1971 graduate of Elmira Free Academy continuing his education at Fordham University where he earned his degree in journalism. He spent several years working for ABC in NYC before returning to Elmira to join the family business. Rick was the third generation owner/operator of The Palms Restaurant a well-known Elmira landmark that has served the community for 65 years. He had a love of travel, history, archeology and cooking. Rick realized a lifelong dream by going to a "dig" in Israel in 2009. He enjoyed many trips to Italy where he visited extended family members in Morolo. Rick also made trips to Poland, Ireland, and the Middle East. In the spring and summer he could be found working in his yard tending to his garden. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, on Sunday, December 9, 2012 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Rick's Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, December 10, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at Mount Saviour Monastery. Interment will follow at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Rick with a donation to Mount Saviour Monastery, 231 Monastery Road, Pine City NY 14871, or Catholic Charities, 215 E. Church Street, Suite 100, Elmira NY 14901.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Gazette from Dec. 7 to Dec. 9, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Canali

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Richard Giammichele

December 1, 2021

Mary, I´ve sent Rick´s remembrance to our EFA Class of `71 today as we celebrated our 50th year of graduation in August. Keeping Rick in our Prayers today, I think of Rick often, we went to school together from 1st - 12, he was a dear friend of mine, we had fun together, always smiling in conversation during our lunch time at EFA. Peace.

Raymond Poliseno

July 13, 2013

I am so sorry to have just learned of Rick's passing. I have so many childhood memories of him. I wish we would have kept in touch over the years. My deepest sympathy to Mary, Junior, Bernice and Georgeen.

Eileen Machuga

December 31, 2012

This is from my mother Eileen Machuga.
Rick,
Remembering you on your BIRTHDAY. I'm so glad i got to see you about a month before you passed on. After working for you for 23 years i have a lot of good memories. I'll never forget you rick

Carol Lepere

December 20, 2012

Dear Mary, Lou and Bernice: I was so sad to hear about Rick's passing. Rick and the whole Canali family were part of our lives growing up on Main St. He was so special to me. I remember that Ricky was one of my first babysitting jobs. He was a delight as a child and continued to touch many lives as he grew personally and professionally. When I moved away from Elmira and returned for visits, going to the Palms was "coming home". My sisters and I would feel grounded and Rick was part of that experience. My prayers are with all of you as you grieve.
Carol Lepere

Ken and Susan Bloom

December 16, 2012

Dear Mary, Lou, Bernice & Family

We were so saddened on learning of Rick's passing. I was one of Rick's roommates at Fordham back in the 70's. While we hadn't see each other in years, we stayed in touch with the annual Xmas card. Rick will always be remembered for his wit, smile and compassion. He had a charisma and warmth about him that instantly made you feel like you were family.

Rest in peace my old friend, rest in peace.

Jim Burke

December 15, 2012

I had the honor and pleasure of attending EFA with Rick; we had some classes together, and he was never anything but a kind, funny, and courteous gentleman. A wonderful guy who apparently left a great mark on this world, may he rest peacefully in God's kingdom. Jim Burke, EFA '72

Kelly Cardi

December 15, 2012

Dearest Mary and Family - Rick's passing saddens so many in our community. He'll be greatly missed but will always remain in our hearts. God bless you and embrace you during this time of sorrow. May the many memories and enjoyment Rick brought to your lives bring you some measure of comfort, keep his spirit alive and surround you with peace knowing he's at peace and with our Heavenly Father.

December 10, 2012

Dear Mary, Berice, and Louie,
May dear Rick rest in the Lord's love, free from all pain and illness.
His wonderful gifts as a chef and host, his appreciation for travel, writing, on-going discovery of new interests and passions, and stimulating conversation drew people to you like a magnet. Thank you for being such a loving partner to my dear cousin Mary Elizabeth for 30 years and for your kindness to my dad, Jimmy Frank when he was alive. Your generous spirit and your myriad of talents will live on in our hearts forever!
My sincere condolences to your entire family. In time, may the joy of a life well-lived eclipse your suffering.
My deepest sympathy to all who mourn your passing.
Constance Frank Alexandre (Texas)

Eric Hall

December 10, 2012

Rick made many family events special for us. As a kid I can still remember my Great Uncle (Jack Denton Scott) speaking so fondly about Rick and the Palms, never any doubt where we went if we didn't celebrate something at home. I'm proud that I was able to let my kids experience real food in a real family atmosphere.

My deepest condolences to Mary and the family.

Jerry/ Natalie Steinmetz

December 10, 2012

Mary, Bernice,Louie...we are saddened to learn of Rick passing away...our prayers, and thoughts are with you all...we have wonderful memories of the Palms, and your hospitality always...Natalie and Jerry Steinmetz

Marge DiBella

December 10, 2012

YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN RICK , I WILL SURELY MISS YOU , LOVE , YOUR LITTLE MARGIE

December 10, 2012

Dearest Mary , Bernice and Louie :
Just a moment ago i learned of Ricks passing...I am find it very hard to write this right now through the tears... I am so deeply sorry for your loss... I will never forget Ricks kindness and all the times he made me laugh in the kitchen. He was one of the best chefs i will ever know... I was truly honored to have worked for him and the rest of the Canali Family. I will always remember the present that he ( and mary ) had given me when Marina was born. I believe it was a picture frame with teddy bears on it.... I WILL MISS YOU RICK , I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE MANY TIMES YOU WOULD SING " My Little Margie " WHENEVER I WOULD WALK INTO YOUR KITCHEN....

Cindy Vondracek

December 9, 2012

To Mary and Family,
Thinking of you all at this time...Rick will be greatly missed!

December 9, 2012

Canali Family,
So very sorry to hear about your devastating loss. Rick and I grew up together on N Main St and at St Anthony's. Every time we came back to Elmira we always tried to stop at the Palms. He was always so friendly to us.
Will keep you all in our prayers.
Anne Andrews(Anita Lepere)

Cindy Hoose

December 9, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss..he was a wonderful person..thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

Joanne Murray

December 8, 2012

Rick the scampi man, and my boss. Take care Mary.
Love Jo

Shelly Cardamone

December 8, 2012

Mary, I am so saddened to hear of Ricks passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Ron & Jennifer Lampman

December 8, 2012

Mary - Jennifer and I were so shocked to hear of Rick's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and his family. We have not been to the restaurant since we moved away and didn't know he was even sick. We are so sorry and may God bless you in this time of need.

Bill Caroscio

December 8, 2012

Sorry to read of this loss to the Canali's and the greater Elmira community. Our family always enjoyed to hospitality of the Canali's when we went "down Mary street" to the Palms.

Sam Trifoso Jr

December 8, 2012

Canali family,
I was sorry to learn of Rick's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.

Karen McConnell

December 8, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. I met Mary and Rick at a very bad time in his and my life at the infusion center of Arnot Ogden. I was only there twice a day for 10 days but seeing Rick and Mary every evening made the time pass so fast. What a wonderful loving, caring and compassionate couple who made such a lasting impression on me. He always had a smile and joke for everyone even though he had his own struggles to endure. Rest in peace Rick. This world has lost a good person.

jim carozza

December 8, 2012

Bernice, Mary, Lou, Georgie,
Condolences for your and the community's loss.
Rick, the creative yet humble chef.
Jim Carozza

Rich Giammichele

December 7, 2012

To Rick's Family, I knew Rick from St Anthony's and EFA... we ate lunch together nearly every day in HS. He was a fun person to be around with, treated everyone with respect and a very smart kid. I am sorry for your loss - Rick is in my prayers.

December 7, 2012

So sorry to hear Rick died. I am out of town and won't be able to come to the services but my thoughts and prayers are with you. Sandy Serefine

Tom Notartomaso

December 7, 2012

To Mary and the Canali family:
Rick was a great guy always had a smile for you and a hello. Going to school at EFA together and sharing some of the same class it's easy to see why Rick will be missed. Mary my prayers are with you and your family.......peace Rick RIP

Theresa Madonna

December 7, 2012

Mary, Bernice, Lou. and Georgie; I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss. Rick is now free of pain and at rest. Please take care of yourselves.

Barbara Hall

December 7, 2012

I grew up with Rick when we were children and after many, many years absence from Elmira, my family and I had the pleasure of sharing those memories with him when I visited Elmira in 2010. He was a very nice person and will be missed.

Margaret Lynch DeSanto

December 7, 2012

Mr and Mrs Canali and Family, I am sorry to hear of loss. May God Be with you and yours

Phyllis Cecchini Small

December 7, 2012

Mary, Louie and Bernice, I am so sorry for your loss. Rick was an amazing man (and boss). My thoughts are with you.

Nick Baccile

December 7, 2012

Rick was a good friend through grammer school and high school. We shared many great times and many laughs. Rick always had a smile on his face and was liked by all. Unfortunately I moved away but still have many memories and will charish them forever. Think about us in heaven my friend.

Ned and Peggy Rubin

December 7, 2012

Mary, Louie and Bernice, We will miss his smile, hospitality, grace, wit and humor. Strong and tough, he was also gentle and kind. And what a great chef! Mary, you are an angel. Your strength for Rick and the rest of us has ben amazing. Please do what Rick would ask: take care of yourself. We love you and are missing Rick already.

Ned and Peggy Rubin

Rebecca & Max Mayeaux

December 7, 2012

Such a wonderful man. He was so loved and will be missed.

December 7, 2012

Mary, Louie and Bernice, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Newton Pendleton

December 7, 2012

Canali family,

Richard`s passing is so sorrowful and please know that my thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Louie, Bernice and Mary do savor your cherished and wonderful memories of this precious and good man.

From the head and heart,

Newt

December 7, 2012

Louie, Bernice and Mary....I am so sad and shocked to hear of Rick's passing..He will truly be missed by everyone...My trips to the Palms for the scampi were made very pleasant by him....My thoughts and prayers are with you.....Sharon in LasVegas

December 6, 2012

I will always remember Richard's last words when he received communion on Saturday December 3. “JESUS PLEASE HELP ME”. God, blessed him and let him come home. Mary and Family you are in our thoughts and prayers. Joan and Justin DeLaney

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