Donald "Don" G. Palermo *PLEASE REGISTER FOR A TIME BLOCK FOR VISITATION: Click here - https://app.planhero.com/meetings/2819 A Faithful man, outgoing, full of wisdom along with a great work ethic, Donald passed away on August 9, 2021, at age 88. His gift for smiling and having a happy demeanor started at a young age, winning the "Kiddie Smiles of 35" at the lively age of 18 months. His positive disposition was present in all the facets of his life: Boy Scouts, as an altar boy at St. Lucy's, sports, volunteer for several organizations, his family, and relationships. Donald supported a long list of family businesses. He worked at his father's bakery called Clifton Pies, his Uncle's chicken store, Uncle Al's shoe store, Uncle Rocky's carwash, Uncle George's flower shop, and he spent many summers on the great Chesapeake Bay working at yet another Uncle's restaurant. And this was just in his youth! After joining the U.S. Army, being stationed in Germany allowed him the opportunity to travel and experience much of Europe. He also served his country in the Korean War. In his return to civilian life, he worked for UPS, eventually becoming a trainer to drivers and management there. Shifting gears, he then grew his work experience as a French and Italian wine sales representative and then went onto Universal Liquors. His good work ethic won him noteworthy sales awards and trips to Vail and the Bahamas amongst other wonderful places. He became enamored with a lovely woman at a friend's wedding, who later became his wife. Donald married Ruth in 1958 and they were blessed with four children and four grandchildren. His love of family was evident. He was the ever-present father who took pleasure in his children's activities. Donald's humor was memorable to all the kids who knew him, especially his "unique" handshakes that left them all laughing. Donald had a love of many activities; fishing, golf, baseball, bowling, coaching, playing Euchre, dancing, and most importantly, cheering on the Miami Dolphins and the Syracuse Orangeman Basketball team! And if you knew Donald well, you knew he was an active and faithful member of St. Pius X Church. He often gave his time to run donut hours, cook for festivals, and was the head of Parrish Life. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at the casinos and belonged to the senior center. The best way to describe Donald was that he was a Giver. His greatest gift to all was his ability to encourage and lift you up. His humor, faithfulness and his extraordinary capacity as a husband, father, grandfather and friend will not be forgotten. Donald was predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Louise (DiGiovanni) Palermo; brother, Gene Palermo; sisters-in-law, Sally Spennacchio and Annette Spennacchio; brothers-in-law, Andy Spennacchio and Mauro Spennacchio. Don is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Rose (Spennacchio); children, Daniel (Jamie) Palermo, Gary Palermo, Mary Palermo and Patricia (Huntley) Hedrick; grandchildren, Alexander, Benjamin, and Gregory Palermo, and D. Huntley Hedrick; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Palermo & Veronica Spennacchio; brother-in-law, John (Judy) Spennacchio, several nieces, nephews & cousins. Don's family asks that you please wear a mask for his services. His life story will be shared during visitation Monday, August 16th, 3:00-6:00 PM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane. Don's Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM on Tuesday at St. Pius the Tenth Church, 3010 Chili Ave, Rochester, NY 14624. Interment Holy Ghost Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be directed to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or a charity of your choice.