Donald E. Palagi

CUMBERLAND
Donald E. Palagi, 89, passed peacefully at home after several months of illness.
He lived in Cumberland for over 50 years.
Born in Pawtucket in 1935, he was the son of the late Mary (D'Ambra) Palagi and Peter P. Palagi, The Ice Cream Man, from Pawtucket, RI.
Don spent his earliest years growing up in Pawtucket where he attended and played basketball for Pawtucket West (#13) and later attended the University of Rhode Island. He also served his country as a member of the US Army while stationed in Germany.
He worked in the electronics business for Amperex, the jewelry business at Coro Vendome and in 1976 went on take over the family business, Palagi's Ice Cream Co. (est. 1896) based in Pawtucket, RI with his father. Donald expanded the company and allowed it to succeed in changing times, staying true to a long tradition of family business ownership, retiring in 1998.
For over 40 years, Don Palagi was an active member, board member and supporter of the Cumberland Lincoln Boys & Girls Club. He was honored in 1994 and inducted into the Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame. Don also volunteered for years with the Cumberland Tax Assessor' Office.
His hobbies included golf, travel and spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed spending 28 years vacationing at the family cabin in Freedom, New Hampshire.
Donald leaves his wife of 64 years, Erika (Schulz) Palagi, a son, Christopher Palagi (Upton, MA), daughter Constance Palagi (East Greenwich, RI), grandson and best buddy, Andrew Palagi (Upton, MA) and his late brother Col. Peter A. Palagi's family in Fort Worth, TX, sister-in-law Sheila Cavanaugh Palagi, niece Ann Palagi-Pate and great niece, Giselle Palagi.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Donald's Life Celebration to be held with Visitation on Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 2 to 4 PM in the J. J. Duffy Funeral Home, 757 Mendon Road, Rt. 122, Cumberland. A memorial service will be held at 3:30 PM. A private family burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Providence Veteran's Association.
ONLINE MEMORIAL: jjduffyfuneralhome.com