Raymond Philip Palazzo

Raymond Phillip Palazzo peacefully passed away on May 22nd, 2024.  He was 94.

Born in Akron, Ohio on December 29, 1929, Raymond was the second of eight children of immigrant parents Joseph Palazzo of Sicily, Italy and Catherine (Connolly) Palazzo of County Waterford, Ireland.

He was preceded in death by his parents, spouse Carolyn (Myers) Palazzo, his sister Alice Palazzo, sister Frances (Palazzo) Holcomb, sister Catherine (Walter) Caprez, brother Edward Palazzo, and grandson Patrick Palazzo.   Raymond is survived by his sister, Theresa (Vincent - deceased) Rasicci and brothers William J. Palazzo, and Richard V. (Andrea - deceased) Palazzo.  He is also survived by his children, Michael (Terri) Palazzo, Patrice (Rick) Askins, Jean (Dominic) Prunesti, Jennifer (Palazzo) Moore and Stephen (Lisa) Palazzo, grandchildren Stephanie (Ken) Yannacci, Christina Curtis, Aileen (Greg) Downs, Dominic Anthony Prunesti, Mary (Nelson) Villatoro, Nicholas Palazzo, Alyssa Palazzo and Michaela Palazzo. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Samantha Yannacci, Grace Curtis, Madelyn Downs, Isaac Downs, Luke Downs, Claire Downs, Evelyn Villatoro and Olivia Villatoro.

Raymond lost his father at age 15 and worked many odd jobs growing up.  He delivered the newspaper (Akron Beacon Journal), he cooled down race horses and polo ponies at a local track and polo club, as well as did construction and farm work.  His favorite job was caddying for the golfers and some well-known celebrities at the Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.

Raymond graduated from St. Mary’s High School (now St. Vincent and St. Mary’s) in Akron, Ohio after which he attended St. Gregory Preparatory Seminary for two years in Cincinnati.  After the seminary, he joined the Air Force and was trained to find coded Russian and Chinese messages in weather reports. During this special training, he was stationed in Illinois and met his beloved wife Carolyn. While still in the Air Force he graduated from (Case) Western Reserve with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy with nearly enough credits to earn his master’s degree. Raymond completed his time in the Air Force and began working for the Department of Defense at Fort Meade as a cryptologist.  He went on to work for IBM for 35 years, first as a contract specialist and then, the administrator for the local IBM office in Washington, DC and the Mid-Atlantic region.

When not working, he enjoyed golf, gardening, woodworking, and volunteering at his parish, St. Mary of the Mills in Laurel, Maryland.  Raymond and his late wife, Carolyn worked as sacristans for 25 years where Raymond also led the praying of the Rosary each morning before daily mass. For the past 12 years, this was reduced to just before Sunday Mass.  He was well known for concluding these prayer sessions with a hymn of his choosing using his signature strong voice.

Relatives and friends are welcome to the visitation from 2 to 4 pm and again from 6 to 8 pm on Tuesday June 4th at Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A.  at 313 Talbott Avenue, Laurel, MD 20707.  Services will be held at 11am, Wednesday June 5th, 2024, at St. Mary of the Mills, 114 St. Mary’s Place, Laurel MD 20707.  Interment will be at Gate of Heaven Cemetery immediately following the funeral at 13801 Georgia Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20906.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Raymond Palazzo to St. Mary of the Mills, 301-725-3080, 114 St. Mary’s Place, Laurel, MD 20707.

Ladies of Charity St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church
114 St. Mary's Place, Laurel MD 20707
Tel: 1-301-725-3080