Michael "Mike" Francis Palermo

December 24, 1952 - December 23, 2016

Obituary For Michael "Mike" Francis Palermo

Wake Forest, NC- Michael “Mike” Palermo, was a true light in this world. A proud Italian-American, he stood up for what he believed in, and greatly enjoyed his family and friends. Mike was a devoted husband of forty-one years, a loving son, an attentive father to two adventurous children, a proud Pop-Pop of seven grand children, and loyal friend who was always ready to lend a helping hand.

Mike fought long and hard for his family and friends as he battled Lymphoma and an autoimmune disease called HLH. As we approached this blessed holiday week, Mike knew it was time to come home from the hospital. He passed away surrounded by love in his own home, one hour shy of his Christmas Eve birthday. He knew that life was meant to be lived and he wanted us to celebrate his 64th year of life, and our Lord and Savior, with joy in our hearts.

Mike always knew his gift in this world and would encourage others to find theirs. He always wanted to be part of The Temptations, and would entertain folks up and down the East Coast with his Motown sound. He loved a good sporting event and worked part-time on the ice crew of his beloved Carolina Hurricanes, and worked full-time for years managing propane companies. Mike lived to make his beautiful wife Bonnie happy. He always made time to visit their favorite vacation spots in the Caribbean together. Mike knew time together was more important than wealth. Perhaps that is why his life was so rich!

Growing up in South Philadelphia, considered an at-risk youth, Mike was born an optimist. He never let hardships stop him from dreaming of what he could achieve. Through his journey, he showed us all how to fight for what was important because so many people have lost their grit. Stop wishing about the things you want to do and make a plan to do it this coming year. Do something kind for a stranger and for goodness sake, love your family. Life is precious in every way! Through the mountains and valleys find the good in your journey, find the good in others, and find the good in yourself. If you were unsure about how to do this....you could just ask Mike.

Mike leaves a legacy of true love that will carry on for generations. He is survived by his mother Marie, wife Bonnie, children Karen (husband Scott Bledsoe), Kevin (wife Sheaffer ), seven grandchildren ages two through thirteen, and brother in law Richard Sullenberger.

His life will be celebrated on December 30th at 2pm, Renaissance Funeral Home and Cremation in Raleigh, NC with a viewing following the ceremony.

Mike cared about helping others, please consider making a donation in his name to Hope Reins of Raleigh http://www.hopereinsnc.org/ or Transition LifeCare- Hospice of Wake County http://transitionslifecare.org/

Services

30 Dec

Celebration of Life Service

02:00 PM - 03:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

30 Dec

Visitation

03:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center 7615 Six Forks Rd Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

Gary Cowart

Mike was a great friend. We worked together for many years at Ferrellgas and Mike was always first to offer help to close a sale or complete a project. Always enjoyed watching him sing and perform around Hilton Head, South Carolina and you could always tell he was enjoying it too. Thanks for being my friend Mike.
September 01, 2020

Anne

So glad you know... He was always fond of you and all you did for him.
September 01, 2020

Angel Poovey

Lit a candle in memory of Michael "Mike" Francis Palermo
September 01, 2020

Floyd Family

We are so sorry for your loss. It is difficult to lose a loved one from sickness and death. However our Heavenly Father is aware of your pain. He promises to put an end to tears, pain, and death. We hope that in the days to come you will turn to God and the Bible for comforted and hope.
September 01, 2020

Patricia Morfeld

Just a note to tell you all how very sad I am for your loss. I enjoyed my brief time getting to know Mike, and I'm grateful you have so many wonderful memories of him to sustain you through this terrible time. Patti Morfeld, RN (UNC Outpatient Infusion Center)
September 01, 2020

Anne

A wonderful Palermo moment, to me...having not seen Mike for sometime, I was interviewing with him and the regional manager for a propane job, at Mike's suggestion. Bonnie had always tried to steer him away from " bad" food, as he had diabetes. As we all ordered, Mike said to me " You know what I always get, right? ". I said " Salad, of course, Mike". We dissolved into laughing and no one else understood....no salad on his plate that day.....I will miss him and his joy for life.
September 01, 2020

Gretchen La Pour

Bonnie, Karen and family, Words don't adequately express how sorry we are to hear your sad news about Mike. You are in our thoughts and in our prayers. With much love, David, Gretchen, Anna and Zachy La Pour
September 01, 2020

Tom Bentley

Mike and I became friends while at Stevens Trade School. We would imitate the Mummer's strut and how pro wrestler 's used to fake getting hit, one day I did actually punch him in the face. I remember when he met the love of his life Bonnie she was working at the hospital at the time. God bless all of your family.
September 01, 2020

Mike Rutherford

My condolences to the Palermo family. I had the pleasure of getting to know Mike as a vendor to the company he worked for. His passion for taking care of his customers was unbelievable. He will be missed!
September 01, 2020

Anne

I only know in all the years I knew Mike, his favorite title was Pop-Pop. The love of his life was, of course, Bonnie. I am too stunned and saddened to say more...will always hear his voice in so many songs he loved to sing.
September 01, 2020

Robbie Thompson

My sincere condolences to the Palermo family. I worked with Mike at Suburban Propane via the regional office that was located in Charlotte NC. Mike was full of life! He was a great guy. He certainly kept me on my toes! I know he will be dearly missed. May God bless and keep you in His perfect care. Robbie Thompson Charlotte, NC
September 01, 2020

pat Magee

We are so blessed to have been a part of Mike's life. He was a true friend. We actually met each other thru a good deed Mike blessed us with. They don't come any better than Mike Palermo. We will miss that beautiful voice and the great times we were together. When you went out with Mike and Bonnie, you were guaranteed a fun time. Mike lived large in his short 64 years. We will always love Mike and Bonnie and hold them both close to our hearts. Pat and Ritchey Magee
September 01, 2020

Stephanie Cothran

We are saddened to hear of Mike's passing. Please accept our sincerest sympathy. Mike was such a fun guy and a great musician. We enjoyed knowing him. Friends at Kitchen & Bath Galleries
September 01, 2020

STeve Malinowski

Mike had been a real inspiration to me musically and beyond since we met playing beach music.I will miss his positive attitude and the love he shared with the people he cared for.God bless him and his family and friends. Steve Malinowski
September 01, 2020

Earl Gates

STEVENS TRADE SCHOOL 1972 : from our first meeting, Mike and I were truly, the country mouse and the city mouse! My demeanor, country/hillbilly. MIKE with his Phila/Italian attitude. Mike was all things Philly, the teams, the music, the culture and the attitude! My attitude , quiet and reserved. Mike , bold and bright and sometimes brash! Give me the quiet shade and solitude of a mountain. Mike preferred the bright sunshine, a beach with music and people! I prefer to keep people at arms length. Mike grabbed your hand, pulled you in, and made you feel comfortable there! I hate phone calls. Mike loved phone calls, the kind where he could engage you, and find out where you were truly at in life! Through our girlfriends/wives we developed a friendship. We'd get together as friends, part, and I'd let the friendship stick slip from my grasp. Mike would hold up his end of that friendship stick, and when together again that our friendships would start right where we left off. As your Spirit steps to the other side of life, it's not REST IN PEACE, that I wish for you my friend. May you have stepped over, BRIGHTLY and BOLDLY into the LOVE, LAUGHTER, and SONG that you loved so much!
September 01, 2020

Robert Moore

Bonnie, Karen, and Kevin, Though it's been quite a few years since I've seen you, I frequently think about your family and the zest for life you all have, led by Mike and Bonnie. It was apparent to all the passion and love of life Mike had, the energy he exuded, and the special joy he took in his beloved family. Mike and I last spoke on the phone a couple of months ago, while again undergoing a course of chemotherapy. I was in awe at his positive and cheerful attitude. He was always "UP". He lived more in 64 years than most of us will in 100. My fondest memory of Mike was when we joined them and the Hasch's for a trip to St Maarten many years ago. Deb and I were concerned prior to the trip that we would not be physically able to keep up with Bonnie and Mike, so we agreed with Cindy and Bob to take alternate days with them. Whew. They were whirlwinds, and we got to see Orient Beach in all it's nudity, the casino, a day trip to St. John, drives all over the island, and enjoyed much rum punch. He was beyond a doubt a great man. I will miss him.