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Anthony Palumbo Obituary
Phoenix - Anthony "Tony" Palumbo, 71, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of April 16, 2018, in Triacastela, Spain, while venturing to complete his pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago, the French Way.
Born April 24, 1946, in Neptune, NJ, Tony was one of twin sons born to Anthony and Estelle Palumbo. Tony graduated from St. Rose High School in Belmar, NJ, in 1964. He not only excelled academically, but also on the baseball field playing catcher. After leaving home, he graduated from Fairfield University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1968.
Tony married his grade school sweetheart, Anna Marie Vadas, of Spring Lake Heights, NJ, in 1969. Two weeks after their marriage, Tony was deployed to Vietnam where he served honorably from May 1969 until July 1970. Following his service, he and Anna Marie moved to South Bend, IN, where he graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1973.
Their journey continued west after Tony accepted a job at Jennings Strouss and Salmon in Phoenix, AZ. In 1977, he began representing the victims of wrongful injury or death, a dedication which he pursued over the next 45 years.
In 1981, he co-founded the law firm of Harris and Palumbo. In 2006, after 25 successful years, Tony followed his dream to work with his son, Scott, and a best friend, Elliot Wolfe; together they formed the law firm of Palumbo Wolfe & Palumbo. Among various honors throughout his career, Tony was invited to become a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Society of Barristers. While he loved his profession, it was his tireless passion to help thousands of clients and their families that inspired such a long and fruitful career. This same passion fueled his work with local charitable organizations, such as Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona.
Tony was a man of compassion, honor and integrity. He was respected and beloved by his family, friends and community. He lived his life with true passion and loved his family and friends fiercely. Some of his greatest joy came from spending time with his grandchildren, Ian (9) and Lily (7). He was an avid Notre Dame football and Arizona Diamondbacks fan, and loved reading, traveling the globe with Anna Marie, and the many days he spent golfing or hiking with his friends.
Tony is preceded in death by his mother and father, Anthony and Estelle Palumbo, his father-in-law, Michael Vadas, and brothers-in-law, Michael and Tommy Vadas. He is survived by his wife, Anna Marie, his sons, Scott (Emily) and Craig, his grandchildren Ian and Lily, his brother Michael (Jean), his mother-in-law, Cecilia, his in-laws, Monica (Skip) O'Hallaran and David (Cheryl) Vadas, many loving cousins and 12 nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Ceremony will be held at 3:30 PM on Saturday, April 28 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 North Central Avenue.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please send donations in Tony's honor to Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona: www.bhghaz.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Palumbo
Larry Wiggins
February 19, 2021
I just learned of Tony's passing and am very sad to hear it. He was a fine gentleman and always my favorite Little League coach to play against. Ours was always a memorable rivaly as our sons were the same age and we competed from farm league all the way through seniors. I had not seen him in years but still thought about him from time to time as I reminisced about the famous Madison LL Wars. It was my privilege and honor to have met this man and known him. Tony was truly one of a kind.
Stewart Manley
April 22, 2019
Please accept my condolences. Tony's son, Scott, was my colleague for a few years at Jennings Strouss. I met Tony a couple times briefly and remember clearly his good cheer, kind heart and encouraging nature.
Mike Rubino
February 11, 2019
Sorry to learn this about Tony , he was a good guy.
May 23, 2018
Ann Marie-
I am so sorry to learn of Tony's passing. Although I did not know either of you well, I am a live example of the impact of Tony's generosity. At a very critical time in my life thirty-two years ago, you and Tony literally saved me and my toddler son with your kindness. Tony's compassion, keen advice, and a plane ticket were the foundation for a new life that I have, hopefully, put to good use. You booked that flight for me Ann Marie. Where I would be today had Tony not given me the courage to change my circumstances, I don't like to consider, but he saw and he acted and I am truly indebted to you both. Santiago de Compostella is a place of peace and awe - I was touched but unsurprised to learn he chose such a journey.
My most sincere condolences to you and your family,
"Chris Ames"
Gloria Ybarra
May 22, 2018
Anna Marie and family,
I was so very sorry to hear of Tony's passing. He was truly a man of honor, dignity, laughter and compassion and he will be sorely missed. I loved running into him during football season so we could talk at length about our beloved Fighting Irish.
May you be embraced in the peace and comfort of knowing you are held up by the loving thoughts and prayers of so many.
Sincerely,
Gloria Ybarra
Rosemary Ansell
May 7, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Patty Sistek
May 3, 2018
Anna Marie, Scott & Craig, you have my deepest sympathy with the passing of Tony. I was very shocked to hear the news which was 2 weeks later but God will give you and your family to lead on. GOD GRANT HIM ETERNAL REST.
April 30, 2018
So sorry for Your loss. Tony will always be in Your Heart. Sincerely, Cousin Helen and Family
April 29, 2018
Dear Anna Marie and family, we are so saddened to hear about Tony's passing. May you find comfort in your memories of him. Sincerely, Cousin Maureen and John Terrafranca
Bob and darlene Price
April 29, 2018
Christine and Wayne Thorpe
April 28, 2018
Dear Anna Marie, Wayne and I just arrived home from Tony's service and the Phoenix Country Club. I personally did not get a chance to see you to tell you how sorry I am about Tony. The service was absolutely perfect and a great tribute to Tony. I was always warmly welcomed by Tony when I came to your home and at other events. Please take time to take care of yourself and your beautiful family. Love to you Wayne and Chris Thorpe
April 28, 2018
Sorry for your loss you are in my prayers
Carol Cure
April 28, 2018
We were so very saddened to hear of Tony's untimely passing. He was both a really good lawyer and a truly nice person...always a gentleman with a kind and generous word for everyone. He will be greatly missed by so many. Our hearts go out to you, Anne Marie, and to your children.
Love, Carol Cure
Katherine Baker
April 28, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. - Jeanette and Kate Baker
Carly Antus Wilk
April 28, 2018
I am deeply sorry for your tremendous Loss. ❤. Tony's warmth, kindness, generosity, honesty, charisma, and incredible smile left a lasting impression on me. He is someone that I will never forget. Big Love and Heart Hugs to You, Anna Marie and Family.
(I was a Girls Hope houseparent from Sept. 2000 - Sept. 2003.)
Charles Muchmore
April 27, 2018
Tony was a great man and a great lawyer and will be truly missed.
DIANA FOSTER
April 26, 2018
WE WERE SO SURPRISED AND SHOCKED BY THE NEWS. ITS BEEN SO MANY YEARS SINCE THECOACHING DAYS AT SIMIS, BUT THE MEMORIES ARE THERE FOREVER. WE HAVE LOTS OF FUN MEMORIES OF THOSE DAYS WITHYOUR BOYS AND OURS. ANNE MARIE, WHAT CAN I SAY. WE WISH YOU AND THE BOYS OUR BEST. ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO HELP?? MY HUSBAND CHUCK RECENTLY HAD A STROKE, BUT IS DOING FINE. OUR BEST TO YOU ALL. LIFE GOES ON. LOVE TO YOUALL--CHUCK, DIANA, SCOTT AND STEVE
Joe Paonessa
April 25, 2018
As a fellow law classmate at ND '73 JD, Tony was always looked up to during those days for his insight and leadership. He was a credit to the Law School, the legal profession and most importantly to his Italian heritage as a great father, husband and friend to all. RIP, Tony.
April 25, 2018
Rest in peace, dear friend and former referee Tony. Condolences for the mournful family...peace be with you and wishes for wholesome comfort.
Posey & John Nash
April 25, 2018
Dear Ann Marie and family,
Together you always made a difference for the better.
Our condolences on your loss.
Rob Richards
April 24, 2018
Scott:
We were so sorry to learn of your father's passing. Please accept our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies in this difficult time.
All our best, Rob & Lynn Richards
Gloria Anderson
April 24, 2018
I had the pleasure and honor of working with Tony for over 25 years, along with the pleasure of getting to know his family and eventually working with Scott at JESS and PW. Tony's passion for helping people was infectious and I definitely caught the bug. His passion, loyalty and tenacity touched hundreds of lives and were an inspiration to me and all those around him. I am so proud to have been a part of his work that helped so many people who had been hurt and needed justice.
Anna Marie, Scott, and Craig, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you all at this very hard time. Tony was bigger than life and it is hard to believe he is gone. It does give me comfort that he passed quietly and doing something he loved. Scott, I miss working with you and seeing your kids growing up. It must be very hard for them.
I am very sad that I will miss the Celebration of Life on Saturday, but I have prior commitments that I cannot change. I would have loved seeing everybody and reminiscing about Tony and all the good stories we could share.
Bill Snuffer
April 24, 2018
Memories of Tony over the last 30+ years of friendship puts a smile on all of his "46 Club" Members. He was always a 100% All In guy. From the Brophy/Xavier Ski trips, umpiring high school baseball, D-Back & Cardinal games to supporting us all with his spot on advice.
A few years back we traveled to watch Scott play football Notre Dame, a prouder dad could not be found. We were in the locker room watching the students painting the helmets gold before the game and observed the famous sign over the tunnel leading to the field "Play Like a Champion Today". I think of my friend, Tony, as a person who played like a champion every day.
He will be missed and never forgotten.
Marge Gifford Kulberda
April 24, 2018
So sorry for your loss Anna Marie and family. Tony was always a gentleman!
Gary & Diane Spurgeon
April 24, 2018
Please accept our most sincere condolences for your loss. As fellow pilgrims to Santiago, we know the wonderful sights he had seen, the camaraderie he had shared with people from all over the world, and the warm experiences he enjoyed. We pray for him and for his family and friends.
Buen Camino Tony!
Linda Burns
April 24, 2018
Tony was a gentleman and a real class act. We had a unique respect for each other in a tough business. My condolences to the family and Elliot.
Bill Moss
April 24, 2018
Tony was a special person placed on earth to make everyone around him better. He led by example with many great qualities that are difficult to count. I may have known you originally through a professional relationship Tony, but in the end you were a friend. My heart goes out to your family and other friends in your life. We were blessed to know you and you will be missed.
Dan Peacock
April 24, 2018
Scott:
So sorry to hear about the passing of your father. All the best to you and your family during this time.
-The Peacocks
DRG
April 24, 2018
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your loved one. May your memories warm your heart and help to allow the smiles to return to your faces in time. My hope for you is that God gives you power and strength as you cope with the loss of someone so special to you. Isaiah 40:29
Bernald Porter
April 24, 2018
May the many memories Tony helped create find root in your heart and bring special recollection to your mind as you both mourn and celebrate his wonderful life... and may God bless you as you deal with his passing.
Lori Deemer
April 23, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Harding Cure
April 23, 2018
Tony was a fine man and a fine lawyer and a very good friend. A daunting competitor in the courtroom, he was always a gracious gentleman. His work was a passion, and he did it great honor. He seemed to love life and living, and did it very well. My deepest condolences to Anne Marie and the family.
David & Denise Aiken
April 23, 2018
Ralph Waldo Emerson said "Never lose an opportunity to see anything that is beautiful." Tony, you saw beauty in everything. You will be missed.
Jo Ann Ali
April 23, 2018
You know, I never heard a guy say so often: "I am the luckiest guy alive." And he was, but it wasn't just luck. He worked and played hard, too.He had charm and brains, compassion and gratitude, love and joi de vivre. He simply had it all.
We will all miss him.
Tracy Gromer
April 23, 2018
My heartfelt condolences to Tony's family and friends. His obituary says it well -- what a wonderful human being. He will be missed.
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