Salvatore A. (Sam) Palermo died peacefully in Fort Myers, Florida on January 3, 2012 after a brief illness. Son of Ignazio and Lucy Palermo, Sam was born in Haverhill on March 3, 1927. Sam was a proud graduate of Haverhill Trade School and entertained at many family gatherings by singing the Haverhill Trade School school song. After graduation, Sam obtained his electrician’s license and later joined his father in the family fuel business, Haverhill Charcoal, eventually taking over and turning it into Palermo Fuel & Oil Company, which later evolved into Ronnie’s Oil. Sam worked closely with his eldest son, Stephen Palermo, who eventually took over the family business until his death in 2000 .
Sam was a member of the Sons’ of Italy and a fourth degree Knight of Columbus. He was a past president of the Haverhill Exchange Club. In retirement, Sam divided his time between Ft. Myers, FL and Haverhill. He spent many happy times with his family and friends at his summer home on Lake Winnipesaukee. Sam enjoyed playing cards, gardening and was an avid fisherman. He was a wonderful cook and was noted for his pancakes. Sam loved to make people laugh and always had a joke on hand.
Sam is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, H. Patricia (Foley) Palermo, his son Christopher Palermo and wife Diane of Matlecha, Florida, and his son, Blaise Palermo of Haverhill, his sister, Lucy Burke, his brother Robert Palermo and wife Joan, and several nieces and nephews. Sam was loved by all and will be missed.
ARRANGEMENTS: Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association at P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA. 02241-7005.
A mass of celebration of Sam's life will be held at All Saints Church, 120 Bellevue Ave at Broadway (Rt. 97), Haverhill, MA on May 5, 2012 at 10:00 AM.
