Richard G. Palumbo of Wakefield passed away on April 28th. He was 79 years old. Richard was the beloved husband of Shirley A. (LeBlanc) Palumbo. Born in Boston to the late Benjamin and Josephine (DeFalco) Palumbo, he grew up in Boston’s North End from which he developed lifelong friendships and a strong value for family.
Richard was the devoted father of Michael G. Palumbo and his wife Lorna of Londonderry, NH, Nicole P. Davies and her husband Warwick of Lexington and Lori P. Elliott and her husband Greggory of Reading. He was the adored grandfather of Olivia, Benjamin and Samuel Palumbo and Annabelle Davies. Richard was the dear brother of Kathleen Marino of Reading and the late Michael Palumbo, and the loving uncle of Michele Fitzpatrick, Krista Marino, Karla Goodreau and Gina Palumbo. Richard treasured the holidays and events that brought his immediate and extended family together where he shared infectious joy and unconditional love with all.
Richard retired from Mt. Auburn hospital in Cambridge in 2010 as a beloved leader in their finance organization. He spent his career working in hospitals in and around Boston - including many years at Carney Hospital in Dorchester - with the belief that through empathy and kindness, even an accountant was part of the healing experience. Richard put himself through college, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting from Bentley College and soon thereafter becoming a certified public accountant. As a CPA, he was a trusted tax preparer to family and friends for 50 years. In retirement, Richard invested his time deepening relationships with family and friends, regularly played golf and bocce, and traveled the world with Shirley and their faithful travel companions Billy and Joan Palumbo.
Richard’s funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Friday, May 7 at 9AM, followed by a funeral Mass in St. Francis Of Assisi Church, 441 Fellsway West, Medford, at 10AM. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Interment will be private.
Visiting hours will be held in the funeral home on Thursday, May 6 from 4- 8PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701.