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Franco Palma Obituary

Palma Franco Mario Palma, age 75, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2016, at Hospice of the Valley in Scottsdale, Arizona. Franco was born on September 8, 1940, to parents Bruno Palma and Margherita (Giacometti) Palma in Rome, Italy. At the age of 16, he moved to the United States, residing in Detroit with his family. Upon graduation from Cooley High School in 1959, Franco enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Italy. He eventually moved to Columbus, Ohio, and went on to graduate from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree. He spent most of his career at Washington Courthouse as Director of Housing. Franco loved architecture and consulting. He took great pleasure in creating solutions to help future generations secure our natural resources. He was a world traveler and cherished time with his family and close friends. Franco is survived by his sister, Bruna (Walter) Panella of Mt. Pleasant, MI; a nephew, Dennis (Gail) Panella of Scottsdale, AZ; his niece, Sandra Panella and her fiancé, Dirk Grove of Mt. Pleasant, MI; and his great-niece and nephews, Catie, Spencer, Ryan and Kyle. Franco was preceded in death by his parents, his step-father Karl Zaruba and his beloved son Matthew Palma. A celebration of Franco's life will be held at a later date.

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

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jan. 27 to Jan. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Franco Palma

Not sure what to say?





Sandy

January 21, 2025

Another year has passed, and we still share the same stories of our wonderful memories. Remembering you today and often throughout the year. XOXO

Tom Rumora

January 21, 2025

Forever in my heart and mind. We were together for many years as college students, city employees, apartment developers ... and best of friends.

Sandy

January 21, 2024

Eight years Zio, so much has happened yet many things remain the same. You are thought of often and missed dearly. XOXO

Tom Rumora in Ocala FL

January 21, 2024

My Ohio State classmate, real estate development colleague, and dear dear friend. Gone... but not forgotten.

Sandy Panella

January 21, 2023

7 years Zio..you´re missed and thought of often. XO

Tom Rumora

January 21, 2023

I still remember ... and miss my classmate, co-worker, and wonderful friend.

Sandy Panella

January 21, 2022

Today marks 6 years since your passing. You've been missed.

Tom Rumora

January 21, 2022

I remember ... and miss my classmate, coworker, and wonderful friend.

Sandra Panella

January 21, 2021

It's hard to believe it's been 5 years. You are thought of often and missed a lot Zio Franco. Sending love to you, Matt, Nonna, and Nonno. XO

Tom Rumora retired in Ocala FL

January 21, 2021

My Father passed away a few months ago, and Mother is in Hospice care now, so I think of Franco as I ponder the mysteries of life, and I wish he was still with us.

Adam Saad

February 2, 2016

Franco your dreams for the future will someday be realized. Enjoy some wine with the big man in the sky. My sincere condolences to the family. I was lucky to work with Franco during his time with the Washington CH MHA. He was a good man and enjoyed life very much.

Linda Jencsik

January 30, 2016

Godspeed Franco, I will light a candle at Mass for you tomorrow, please pray for me.

Bill Batson

January 29, 2016

Rest in peace my friend, your smile and humor will be missed.

Bill Batson

January 29, 2016

Rest in peace my friend, I will miss your smile and humor.

John and Velma Rumora

January 29, 2016

Condolences to the family. Eternal rest grant to him oh Lord and may the perpetual light upon him.
John and Velma Rumora

Jay Myers

January 29, 2016

It was a honor to have had you as a friend. RIP

Judy Rambo

January 28, 2016

My sincere sympathy to Franco's family. He was a special friend and co-worker who always had a positive outlook on life and great compassion for others. May he rest in peace.

Tom Rumora

January 28, 2016

Classmates at Ohio State, colleagues at the Columbus Dept of Development, teammates at Terra Developers, and dear friends for 45 years... Franco had boundless energy, ideas, inspiration, integrity, and positive outlook... I was blessed to have shared part of his life's journey... Sadness now... Cherished memories forever... Blessings to the family who lost their beloved member...

Wendy Vanover

January 28, 2016

RIP my friend, you will truely be missed. My prayers to your family in their hour of need.

LaVerne Kosinski

January 28, 2016

May you rest in peace, Franco. My condolences to the rest of the family.

"The Eagle Has Landed"

Herb USMC

January 28, 2016

RIP

Herb USMC

January 28, 2016

USAF Memorial

Herb USMC

January 28, 2016

Herb USMC

January 28, 2016

ALL Veterans should have Old Glory by their name.

Herb USMC

January 28, 2016

Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC

January 28, 2016

God Bless and Thank YOU,Franco for your service in The U.S.Air Force RIP..... And Semper Fi.

January 28, 2016

My sincere condolences to Franco's family. Franco was a 'best friend' and like a brother from another Mother for the last 25 years. I miss you buddy and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. I have great memories of our escapades together and they will never be forgotten. RIP

Debi Frazier

January 28, 2016

My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family during this difficult time.

Debi Frazier

January 28, 2016

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time. Franco will be greatly missed by all that knew him. I will never forget his laugh, his love of boating and traveling. God has gained another angel. Until we meet again Franco! Love, Debi

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