California-Michael A. Palumbo, age 70, passed away on April 29, 2024, at his home in Staatsburg. Born in Albany to Bruno J. Palumbo and Leah (Gardner) Palumbo, he was a graduate of Columbia High School in East Greenbush and later went on to study at SUNY at Geneseo. Michael began his career at the Sunshine Biscuit Company, later accepting a management position with the Keebler Company which acquired Sunshine Biscuits.
Michael married Beth in 1982, and they moved to Long Island, Illinois, and later settled in Tracy, CA where he resided in various towns for 36 years before returning to the Capital District in the summer of 2021. While living in Tracy, he and Beth were blessed with a son, Justin, who was the joy of his life, and he was very excited to meet his new five-month-old granddaughter this summer.
Michael was an aficionado of rock music and his ability to spout off statistics on bands, artists, songs, or lyrics was impressive. He boasted that he attended the original Woodstock and loved sharing his memories of that historical event with friends both new and old. He had a passion for cooking, at times considering applying to the Culinary Institute of America, and having one of his recipes published in a magazine while living in California.
He is survived by his son, Justin Palumbo, his wife, Jamie Mize, and his new granddaughter. They reside in California. He is also survived by his sisters Gail Pettograsso (Dan) of East Greenbush, NY, Janice Palumbo of Marblehead, MA, Christina (Palumbo) Fitzgerald of Saratoga Springs, NY, and Naples, FL. He is the uncle of Mark Pettograsso (Christine) of East Greenbush, NY, and Stacey Teal (Pete) of Averill Park, NY. He is also survived by several great-nephews and cousins.
Michael is predeceased by his parents Bruno and Leah, and also his grandson.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to his many friends, both new and old, who gave Michael their love and support during the last couple of years of his life.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call to the W. J. Lyons Jr., Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer, on June 7, 2024, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m., with a Service of Remembrance at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory, to Miracle Babies, 8745 Aero Drive, Suite 308, San Diego, CA 92123, or at Miracle Babies.org.