Roy J. Palermo

He was born on the 15th of July 1932, in Galveston, the youngest and only surviving child of Sam and Christina Palermo.

Shortly before starting high school, he moved with his mother and father from Dickinson to Houston. He is a graduate of Saint Thomas High School, class of 1952. During high school he met the love of his life and future wife of 63 years, Vita Ann Zarzana. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Pearl Giamalva, Joe Palermo, Tony Palermo, Frank Palermo, and Cecelia Cipriano.

Roy served in the United States Army during the Korean War where he received the National Defense Medal. As a local home builder, he owned and operated Carriage Construction Company. After retirement, he became an inspector for the Memorial Villages. He was a longtime member of the Sacred Heart Society. His strong faith led him to serve as a Eucharistic Minister for his parish, Queen of Peace Catholic Church. He is also an associate member of the CCVI Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of The Incarnate Word.

Roy was very giving of himself to his family and strangers alike. His reputation as a man of strong integrity and honesty is widely known. Family and acquaintances alike often sought out his advice. We give thanks to God to have had this pillar of a man, both physically and spiritually, leading our family for so many years.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Vita Ann Zarzana Palermo, with whom he had five children: Chrisie and husband Lee Samperi; Sam Roy Palermo and wife Theresa; Bonnie Palermo Oggero and fiancé Michael Gerard Hughes, Bessanne and husband John L Maida, Jr.; and George Zarzana Palermo. The love and joys of his life were his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Grandchildren: Ann Marie and husband John Montalbano, Jr.; Ciro Joseph Samperi; Rose Palermo; Sami Palermo; Tina and husband David Pierson; Leah Rose Oggero; Jonathan Roy Oggero; John L. Maida, III; Vita Louise Maida; Maximilian Zarzana Palermo. Great grandchildren: Angela Marie and Christina Marie Montalbano; Emmy Jane and Eli Cash Stout; and Nolan Joseph Pierson. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Vita Marie Palermo and many special and loving nieces, nephews and Godchildren.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from three o'clock in the afternoon until eight o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 11th of August in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where recitation of the holy rosary is to commence at seven o'clock.

A Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at two o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 12th of August, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3617 Milam Street in Houston, celebrated by Rev. Douglas J. Guthrie and longtime friend, Rev. Roy Oggero.

Rite of Committal will follow immediately, via an escorted cortège, in the Catacombs, Garden of Gethsemane Mausoleum at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

Honored to serve as pallbearers during the services are his grandsons, and serving as honorary pallbearers are his nephews, cousins, close friends and Godchildren.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at a venue to be announced during the services.

In lieu of customary remembrances, and for those desiring, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Roy’s name be directed to St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77007.