Harlene Stapf Palkuti

Harlene Palkuti passed away in Fairfax, Virginia, on April 12, 2026, Born in 1937 in Columbus, Ohio, she lived a life marked by scientific achievement, community leadership, and a joyful, outgoing spirit that touched all who knew her. Harlene was known for her warmth, storytelling, hospitality, and gift for friendship. Harlene never met a stranger—just a friend she hadn’t gotten to know yet.

Harlene was the daughter of Harlow Anthony and Mary Alice Stapf (née Stenger), both of whom preceded her in death. She was raised in a close-knit Ohio community of Willard, where her father owned The Brunswick Grill. That early sense of belonging and service would shape her life in extraordinary ways.

A proud graduate of The Ohio State University, Harlene was part of a pioneering generation of women in science. She built a distinguished career in medical technology, specializing in blood clotting and coagulation disorders. Her work included academic publications in The American Journal of Clinical Pathology, national speaking and consulting roles with Warner Lambert, Johnson & Johnson, and BioData, and adjunct professorships at both Stanford and Berkeley.

Her loyalty to her alma mater remained a defining part of her identity. Harlene served as president of OSU Alumni Clubs in Sunnyvale, California, and Washington, D.C., mentored generations of Buckeyes, and actively supported the John Glenn College of Public Affairs’ Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP). She and her late husband were honored with the Best Buckeye Award for their contributions to alumni communications.

Outside her professional life, Harlene enriched every community she joined. She and husband Les made their home in Alexandria, Virginia for over 30 years. She served as president of the Riverwood and Yacht Haven Garden Clubs, edited the newsletter for the Riverwood on the Potomac Homeowners Association, and was in the Mount Vernon Garden Club. She was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church.

She shared 53 loving years with her husband, Dr. Leslie John Palkuti Jr., who passed away in 2017. Harlene is survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gabriel and Marisa Palkuti, niece Carla Palkuti and sons Brennen Quinn and Christian Quinn (Zoe) and their son Jack; her surrogate son Barron Hall (Michelle); and her goddaughter Elizabeth Murphy. She is also survived by cousins in Florida, Ohio, and Alaska, and a devoted group of Buckeye friends who came to her house to watch football games when she was unable to get out; Bill and Janet Halsey, Hongor Oulanoff, and Phil Gbur. She will be deeply missed by many dear friends, especially Nancy Macias, Sunni Nabors, and Mahrou Akhundzadeh, whose enduring friendships brought great joy and companionship to Harlene’s life.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Ohio State University Foundation in support of the Dr. Leslie J. Palkuti, Harlene Stapf Palkuti and Harlow and Alice Stapf Scholarship Fund - #484566 - in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.