Gus Palmisano

August John Palmisano, “Gus”, 73, of Crystal Lake, IL, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family on Friday, April 19, 2024.

Gus was born on March 6, 1951, to Carmella (Mosca) and August “Gus” Palmisano in Chicago, IL. He moved to Elmwood Park as a young boy and attended St. Celestine’s Catholic School. After his elementary years, he attended Holy Cross High School for two years before graduating from Elmwood Park High School in 1969.

During his academic years, Gus played saxophone and clarinet. During his senior year of high school, he met the love of his life, Deborah Ray. Gus and Deb went on to have 4 children. After graduation, he served his country by joining the Reserves and attended basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri before completing his 6 years of service in Colorado Springs, Colorado. During this time, he and Deb married (September 19, 1970) and began a family. Gus considered his marriage to his wife as his greatest accomplishment and valued his family above all else. Having a family was his greatest goal in life— having children and grandchildren, he considered the biggest yet happiest challenge of his life.

Gus devoted over 30 years to his career as a Store Manager for Bridgestone-Firestone, working at several different stores in the Chicago area. Throughout these years he excelled in all things administrative and worked diligently to provide for his family. In his later years, he continued in the automotive industry as a manager for Grossinger-Volvo in Lincolnwood, IL. He retired in 2009 and joyfully moved into his full-time occupation as “Papa.”

During his retirement years, Gus and his beloved, Deb, enjoyed time with their children and grandchildren. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, and the Beatles, and enjoyed talking about his family’s history and genealogy with his children and grandchildren. Talking about the “old days” brought a smile to his face instantly. He enjoyed playing cards with his grandchildren, as well as Solitaire and other games on his phone. He was always up for an adventure, road trip, or outing when asked, especially when it involved his family. He enjoyed watching Westerns, following politics, and “making lists.” He always made sure that things were well taken care of at home. Gus found a deeper faith in his later years and was a member of Harvest Bible Chapel where he enjoyed meeting with his men’s group.

Gus is survived by his loving wife, Deborah; his children, Terry (Christy), Steve (Julie), Michele (Josh), and Joe; his grandchildren, Keura, Nicholas (Amanda), Kevin, Sierra, Steven, Joseph, Luke, Adriana, Connor, Zachary, Luca, and Josephina; siblings, Marietta (Ted) and Joe (Nadia); as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carmella (Mosca); father, August “Gus”; and brother, Martin.

Visitation will be held Sunday, April 28, 2024, from 3-8 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave, (Rt. 176), Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Visitation will continue the following day, Monday, April 29, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.