To know my Papa was to know a truly gentle soul. You could talk with him for hours about everything from his love of nature to animals, to life’s simplest joys. Some of my favorite memories were made with him at the cottage in the islands — the place he and my grandma turned into a home for all of us, where summer felt like magic.

From driving the boat with you, to learning how to fish by your side, tasting your homemade French fries that no one could top, to you helping me cook some of the best dishes for my first Thanksgiving as a host — you gave your time and your heart so generously.

We’ll miss you more than words can say, but we know you’re at peace now. Thank you for everything, Papa. You’ll always be with us.

Sue, Michael, Diana and family. Lewis was extraordinary. Whether swimming in the pool in irondequoit as a 7 yo or family picnics parties reunions or just Sanka and coogan around the kitchen table he was a steadying presence for the Palermo clan. my parents loved him so much he was part of my earliest memories. my heart is with you all, though I cant be there in person, know how much he was loved. Rip blowy, as my mom always called him I wonder if he hated that 🙂 love you all.