Salvatore Palmeri

New Paltz, NY

Salvatore Palmeri, age 86, of New Paltz, NY, died Friday, June 27, 2008 at Hudson Valley Rehab. & Extended Care Facility, Highland, NY, surrounded by his family at his side.

Mr. Palmeri was born on January 20, 1922 in Manhattan, NY. He was the son of the late Joseph and the late Angelina D'Elia Palmeri. He married Angela Leone on May 28, 1944 at Pine Island, CT.

He served in the Army from 1942 to 1946 as a Tech Sgt. He was self-employed as an auto mechanic. He owned and operated a service station in the Bronx and then Stadium Service in Queens, NY, for over 33 years.

Sal was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church, New Paltz, where he was a member of the Parish Council for 6 years, and a trustee for two years. He was involved in every function of the church. He coordinated two blood drives a year for ten years. Sal was always there. At the time of his death, he was member of the Knights of Columbus, Cardinal Spellman Council # 5800, for over 25 years, former Grand Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, Financial Secretary for 15 years, 4th Degree Assembly and color guard. He helped the Knights organize free-throw basketball games. He was also a member of AARP, New Paltz, since 1983 serving as President, Vice President, membership, and newsletter committees. He helped coordinate the 55 Driving Course for ten years, helped organize the on-the-road Bingo Game that visited local nursing homes. He was also involved in local elections and set up voting machines at the Middle School, High School, SUNY and the Village of New Paltz for ten years.

Sal and Ann were chosen as Ulster County Senior Citizens of the year 1997 for outstanding and invaluable service to the community. Sal and Ann were the first couple chosen by New York State as senior citizens in the year 2000 for improving the lives of New York State Seniors through their volunteer services in the community.

A family statement reads: "Sal Palmeri was witty, humorous, and unique. A talented storyteller, he would captivate the interest of anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. He was the most generous man that many people would ever meet. His life was rich with pride in his accomplishments, yet he was humble and served the public in literally hundreds of ways. After designing their retirement home, he and his wife became involved in many acts of community service. The New Paltz community and St. Joseph Church, New Paltz, have been deeply impacted by his loss. Salvatore Palmeri will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and especially by his true love of 64 years, "Annie," of whom he has shared many kisses, cuddles and cruises with. They were an inseparable couple."

Sal is survived by his wife, Angela (Leone) Palmeri of New Paltz; daughter, Kathleen Palmeri-Martin and husband, Timothy of Hyde Park, NY; son, Joseph Palmeri of Bend, OR; brother, Dominick Palmeri and wife, Helen of New Paltz; sister, Josephine Collins of Tobyhanna, PA; two grandchildren, Jennifer Palmeri and husband, Victor Teran of Tijuana, Mexico, and Joseph Palmeri of Bend, OR.

Il nono simpatico, we love you. We promise to keep your stories alive for generations to come.

He is also survived by seven nieces, eight nephews, 22 grand nieces and nephews and two great-grandnephews. He was predeceased by his mother and father, Angelina and Joseph Palmeri.

Calling hours will be on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Copeland Funeral Home, Inc., 162 S. Putt Corners Rd., New Paltz, NY.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 34 S. Chestnut St., New Paltz, NY. Burial will be in St. Charles Cemetery, Gardiner, NY, with full military honors.

Arrangements by Copeland Funeral Home, Inc.; 845-255-1212. To express condolences, please visit www.copelandfhnp.com.