Vincenzo Remigio Palermo

Vincenzo was born in Bucita (Cosenza) Italy on September 27, 1941 to Luigi and Maria Palermo.

Vincenzo grew up working on the family farm in Bucita, helping with everything from tending to agriculture to tending to the animals and household chores. He studied agriculture and received his degree in 1958 shortly before he was obligated to serve in the Italian military where he was a cook for high ranking officers in Northern Italy.

After his military service he returned to Bucita and started working in the nearby larger city of Cosenza at a metalworking and mechanic shop. He continued this line of work after immigrating to the United States alongside family as a metal mechanic in Chicago until a job opportunity presented itself for him and his brothers in the Facilities Development & Operations department at San Jose State University in California working as an HVAC technician.

Vincenzo retired early from San Jose State University alongside his sister Concetta to be primary caregivers to their parents. This care eventually involved a move to Los Osos, CA to be closer to more family for help, support, and a quieter and more peaceful environment.

Several years after the passing of his parents in Los Osos, CA, Vincenzo and Concetta who had grown to become an inseparable pair decided to travel and explore outside of Los Osos to decompress from the many years of care and dedication they had given to their parents. They explored the Pacific Northwest, went on an Alaskan Cruise, and went on several train rides when they stopped in Tucson, AZ and fell in love with the desert.

Vincenzo always described his first impression of Arizona as a place where he could finally breathe, and alongside Concetta they decided to make Arizona their home, first living in Tucson and later settling into their beautiful home in Oro Valley, AZ.

Vincenzo was diagnosed with stage 4 bladder cancer in 2015 and spent many challenging years battling it with Concetta by his side throughout it all as his primary caretaker, doing everything imaginable out of an abundance of love and dedication for her brother. Vincenzo miraculously beat this cancer. At his last annual exams and scans in Fall of 2023, specialists referred to him as a medical miracle as the cancer that he had was so rare with a very low survival rate.

VIncenzo thrived with his love of the outdoors, exploring, gardening, cooking, and tinkering around the house. His resilience was intoxicating and inspiring as he was always brave to try something new and up for a challenge. Jeep rides were always an adventure, and long drives winding up to the top of Mount Lemmon and into the secret spots of Saguaro National Park and surrounding areas of beauty in Tucson were always a treat to experience with him. Walking around the home he shares with Concetta, you can see all of the beautiful products of Vincenzo’s hard work, too – walkways, fruit trees, flowers, brushes and landscaping all spearheaded by him with his sister Concetta by his side.They loved projects and there was always a new idea of what was next.

Vincenzo also thrived in his love for family. He loved his brothers, sisters and nieces and nephews deeply. He was always curious to know what everyone was up to, enjoyed seeing photos, and loved chatting on the phone and having visitors. And visiting was never a dull moment – The hospitality and love was always in abundance as was the food, laughter, and never-ending family stories at the dinner table after a beautiful meal they eagerly planned and prepared together.

We love you and will miss you, Vincenzo.

Vincenzo is predeceased by his brothers Arturo Palermo, Guido B. Palermo, his parents Luigi and Maria Palermo. He is survived by his sisters Luigina, Concetta and Maria, brothers Franco brother in law Luigi Covelli, sisters in law Angelina and Prospera Palermo, nephews Bob Cosentino, Louis Palermo, Luigi A. Palermo, Guido Palermo Jr, Luigi F. Covelli Jr., Frank Palermo Jr. and his niece Emma Covelli.