Obituary of Michael J. Palermo

Michael J. Palermo passed away peacefully at his home in Rockaway Township, New Jersey, on July 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Andrew C. and Mary Agnes (Cippolla) Palermo, Michael spent many years living in Mountain Lakes and West Caldwell, New Jersey, before relocating to the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, then Bluffton, South Carolina, and ultimately settling in Rockaway Township, New Jersey, where he made his home for the past 10 years.

Michael earned his bachelor's degree from the Bernard M. Baruch School of Business of City University of New York in 1960 and continued his studies at Pace University.  He went on to build a long, distinguished 26-year career with Chemical Bank before joining the Bank of New York, where he retired in 1999 as a Vice President.

Deeply committed to community service, Michael was a past president and dedicated member of the Rotary Club, where he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. He also served as Treasurer of UNICO and was a volunteer firefighter with the Mountain Lakes Volunteer Fire Department.  

Michael found his greatest joy on the water as an avid boater and fisherman, enjoying both saltwater and freshwater fishing. One of his proudest memories was landing a magnificent sailfish while vacationing in Mexico - a milestone he treasured for years.  
 

Michael was predeceased by his parents and by his brothers, Andrew Palermo Jr. and Anthony Palermo.
 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Maria Elena (Cuellar) Palermo of Rockaway Township, New Jersey; his loving children, Michael Palermo Jr. and his wife, Shana, of Massachusetts; Scott Palermo of Florida; Mary Ann Palermo of Florida; and Charles Palermo and his wife, Jacqueline King-Palermo, of Delaware. He is also survived by his cherished stepchildren, Liane Swan and her husband, Kenneth Swan Jr., of New Jersey, and John Guevara and his wife, Sara, of New Jersey.
 

Michael was the proud and devoted grandfather of Michael Joseph III, Nicolas Jude, Sarah Corrinne, Emma Elena, Laura Raquel, Michael John, and Jamie Gavin. He also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends, all whose lives were enriched by his kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to his family.
 

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834. 

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Clement Pope & Martyr Church, 154 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Dover, NJ 07801.
 

Michael will be remembered for his integrity, his dedication to serving others, his love of family, and the countless memories made on the water with those he loved. His legacy of kindness, hard work, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.