Galen Thomas Palmisano
Galen Thomas Palmisano, aged 72, passed away May 1, 2024, at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center in Chardon Township.
He was born Feb. 26, 1952, in Lincoln Neb., to Salvatore and Louella (nee Carlson) Palmisano. He was the second of three children.
When Galen was 4, the family moved from his mother’s homeland in Nebraska to his father’s homeland in the greater Boston area, eventually settling in Concord, Mass. Galen fondly recalled the adventures of a boyhood spent outside in woods and wetlands as well as Sundays spent at Grandma and Grandpa P’s surrounded by their large Italian family.
After a year of college in Durango, Colo., Galen spent time in the Army as well as building radomes, which are large geodesic structures that house radar, both in the U.S. and Europe. His father and brother were Marines and Galen always maintained a great respect for those who serve(d) our country in the armed forces.
Home base remained the Concord area until his mid-30s, when he met and married Debbie Parks in 1987. When they were expecting their first child, they moved back to Debbie’s hometown of Shaker Heights and lived with her mother for two years until they purchased a home in Burton Township. There they raised three children, Sam, Max and Maria, who still reside in the area. Galen and Debbie divorced in 2005 and he lived and worked in Newbury Township the remainder of his life.
Galen drove semis for Kuhnle Brothers for many years. He was an excellent driver and often trained new hires. He enjoyed driving and the people he met. He felt that through his travels, he kept a finger on the pulse of the nation.
Galen loved animals and his kids remember sheltering orphaned lambs, chickens, a fawn and numerous dogs and cats. In his later years, he cherished his feline companions.
He enjoyed music, loved to dance and was a surprisingly good guitar player. He loved riding his Harleys. He was a member of Whitetails Unlimited and enjoyed collecting and shooting guns. He collected watches and eyeglasses.
Galen loved any adventure that left him with a good story with which to regale friends at his favorite watering holes. Celebrating holidays and birthdays with family was special to him. He was a generous man with a good heart.
The family is grateful to the owners, staff and patrons of Madrick’s Tavern who offered Galen much care, compassion and camaraderie over the past year.
Galen is survived by his children and former spouse, as well as his grandson, Ashton, and sister, Elaina Satterfield (Paul), of Jacksonville, Fla.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Doug, of Groton, Mass.
All are invited to share memories at Newbury Community Church, 14916 Auburn Road, on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 3 p.m. At 4:30 p.m., following the memorial, the celebration of Galen’s life will continue at Madrick’s Tavern, 10760 Kinsman Road, Newbury.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Best Funeral Home, 15809 Madison Road, Middlefield, 440-632-0818. Online condolences may be sent at www.bestfunerals.com.
