Robert John Paliani

RACINE - Robert John Paliani, 72, passed away at All Saints-St. Mary's Medical Center on Thursday, January 19, 2006, of complications resulting from pulmonary fibrosis. Bob was born in Rochester, N.Y. on June 13, 1933, to the late Oreste and Rose (nee: Magro) Paliani. On August 11, 1962, at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Addison, N.Y., Bob was united in marriage to the love of his life, Vera Anne Gangeme. Growing up in Rochester, he graduated from John Marshall High School in 1951. Following, Bob went on to earn his degree in Journalism from Bowling Green University in Ohio. After, he proudly served our Country with the United States Army in Air Defense Artillery as a 2nd Lieutenant. As the result of his job transfer, they moved from New York to Racine in 1962. Bob was employed by SC Johnson Wax as a worldwide military Sales Manager retiring in 1987. After retirement, he continued to provide consulting services with Drummers Advertising Agency. Bob has been a dedicated member of St. Lucy Catholic Church since 1969. He was also a member of the SC Johnson 20 Year Club and lifetime member of the American Logistics Association, where he served in the capacity of Secretary/Treasurer. Among many of his interests, he was an avid golfer, organizing the senior golf league at Maplecrest C.C. for many years. He also was fond of bowling, especially on the Monday and Thursday senior leagues at Paradise West. Bob was also a computer enthusiast and was an accomplished cook / baker. Above all, his passion was for his entire family. He will be greatly missed! Surviving are his loving wife, Vera; beloved children, Robert John Paliani II of Racine; Melissa Anne (Matt Nowak) Paliani-Nowak of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Scott Christopher (Shelley) Paliani of Mesa, Ariz.; cherished grandchildren, Annie and Gabby Paliani, Leah Nowak, and Robert John Paliani III; sisters, June (Bert) Vegh and Linda (Gary) Ringer, both of Rochester, N.Y.; brothers-in-law, John (Linda) Gangeme of Corning, N.Y., Joe Gangeme of Padre Island, Texas, and Anthony (Louise) Gangeme of Addison, N.Y.; sister-in-law, Dolores (Joe) O'Brien of Hammondsport, N.Y.; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sisters-in-law, Jean Gangeme and Catherine (Lawrence) Hickey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 23, 2006, at 10 a.m. in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Entombment, with military honors, will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Highway 32. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 6 until 8 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 9 until 10 a.m. In memory of Bob, memorials to St. Lucy School Endowment Fund, Society's Assets, or Racine County Opportunity Center are encouraged. A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire nursing, respiratory, and support staff of All Saints-St. Mary's ICU, especially to Cheryl, Michelle, Mark and Nettie, for the loving care and compassion that was so warmly extended during the past two weeks. God bless all of you! DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY 4600 County Line Road (corner of KR & Meachem Road) 552-9000 www.draeger-langendorf.com