Gary Paul Palmisano Sr., on December 1, 2021 with his wife and son at his side, went home to meet his Lord and Savior after a 19 year courageous battle with prostate cancer. He was born in New Orleans to Angelo and Julia Coltraro Palmisano on February 3, 1947. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Karen Mull Palmisano, and his son, Gary Paul Palmisano Jr. Father-in-law to Megan Albritton Palmisano and grandfather to Addison Grace Palmisano.
Gary worked for over 50 years in the Thoroughbred Racehorse Industry as an owner, trainer and racing official until the time of his passing. He had a gift and passion for the horses, which was evident in his very successful statistics throughout his racing career. Gary valued and truly cherished the many friendships that were formed from his years on the racetrack, and his track family always held a special place in his heart. He earned the love and respect of so many people within the industry. When he was away from the racetrack he also enjoyed fishing and playing the guitar. For over 30 years during the first week of August, you could find Gary, his family and friends on the beach in Destin, which was their happy place.
Gary is survived by his brothers, Angelo “Billy” Palmisano (Linda) and Barry Palmisano (Diane), his mother and father-in-law Lou and Phil Mull Sr., his brothers and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
Karen and Gary Jr. would like to extend their sincerest appreciation and thanks to Dr. Alton Oliver Sartor and the entire staff at the Tulane Cancer Center for the love, care and compassion shown to Gary for so many years.
A celebration to honor Gary’s life will be held at the New Orleans Fairgrounds at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests any donation to be made in memory of Gary to: Tulane Cancer Center / Prostate Research - Dr. Alton Sartor, 922 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116 or The Al Copeland Foundation at www.alcopelandfoundation.org
