Leo Carmen Palma

Born on August 29th 1947 in Westbury NY to Mary and Carmen Palma, Leo grew up in a close-knit family alongside his two sisters, Teresa “Terry” Palma Birdsall and Susie Palma Salzano. He lived a life centered around family, love, service, and a deep passion for sports. He married his high school sweetheart, Corinne Passariello Palma and together they shared 58 wonderful years of marriage — a true example of lifelong love and devotion.

A proud father of three — two sons and one daughter — Charlie, Tracy, and Brent. Leo found his greatest joy in spending time with his family. He was blessed with five grandchildren who brought him immense pride and happiness, as well as three bonus grandchildren, whom he welcomed into his life with kindness and an open heart.

Leo honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he had a distinguished and well-decorated military career. His courage, dedication, and sense of duty were qualities that he carried with him throughout his life, shaping the man his family and friends came to love and admire.

Leo had a lifelong love of sports, especially his beloved New York Yankees, Minnesota Vikings, Notre Dame and Army football. He passed that love on to his children, teaching them to play baseball, football and coaching their teams with patience, enthusiasm, and joy. For him, the game was never just about winning — it was about doing the little things that mattered, teamwork, laughter, and the lessons learned along the way.

He will be remembered for his steady kindness, his sense of humor, that look that only Leo had and his devotion to those he loved. Whether cheering on his favorite teams or his favorite players, watching his kids and grandkids excel at sports, or his “positive feedback to the officals” at games or with family, Leo brought warmth, quick witted sarcasm and laughs.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Corinne his three children, Charlie, Tracy and Brent his five grandchildren; and his three bonus grandchildren. He is also survived by his loving sister, Teresa “Terry” Palma Birdsall, and her two daughters; and by his niece, the daughter of his late sister, Susie Palma Salzano.

In the famous words of Frank Sinatra — Leo did it his way.