Obituary: Nello John Palma, Sr.

Nello John Palma, Sr., of Danbury, beloved husband of Julia (Aldi) Palma, died peacefully with his family by his side, at Danbury Hospital, on Saturday, March 3, 2012. He was born in Italy on March 17, 1925, son of the late Antonio and Vincenza Palma.

He was a Veteran of World War II, proudly serving our country as a surgical technician with the 4th Infantry Division of the United States Army in key campaigns including the Battle of the Bulge. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in ground combat. He later worked in the auto body industry, and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

Nello was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. His family was the center of his life.

In addition to his cherished wife of 64 years, Julia, he will be sadly missed by his three children, Anthony Palma and his wife, Valerie, Nello Palma, Jr., and his wife, Susan, Paula Sousa and her husband, Tony; his seven grandchildren, Jessica Festa (Steven), Jennifer Brown (Nathan), Rebecca Glickstein (Geoffrey), Matthew Palma, Heather Palma, Nicole Sousa, and Christopher “CJ” Sousa; and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Josephine Muoio, his brother, Carlo Palma, and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister, Elda Pacific; and his brother, Patrick Palma.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 7th at 10:00am at , Danbury. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the , 247 White Street, Danbury, on Tuesday, March 6, 2012 from 4 to 7 pm.

Memorial Contributions in his memory may be made to Connecticut Food Bank, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.