Charles Anthony Palazzo

Charles Anthony “Chuck” Palazzo, who devoted his life to his family and country, died Friday, February 17, 2012. He was 73. With him at the time of his death were his son Ryan and daughter-in-law Rachel. In addition to Rachel and Ryan, Chuck leaves behind his sister Sally; his son Anthony and daughter-in-law Deborah and grandsons Ethan, Owen, Nathan and Aaron. Chuck was born on April 16, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of a Sicilian shopkeeper, Anthony Palazzo, and his wife Virginia. Chuck’s father immigrated to the United States from Sicily when he was five years old, and the richness of that culture was imprinted on Chuck, who later traveled many times to Italy exploring his family’s genealogy. His commitment to that work has left a strong legacy for his family. After graduating from college, where he played baseball and basketball, Chuck joined the U.S. Air Force, in which he served from March 1963 to March 1967. A weapons control officer, Chuck attained the rank of Captain and received the National Defense Service Medal for service during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in both Fulda, Germany, and Duluth, Minnesota. Upon his discharge from the military, Chuck began working at IBM in program and software development. It was there that Chuck met the love of his life, Carolyn Onysyk, whom he married in 1970. Carolyn preceded Chuck in death on May 10, 1995. Following the birth of their two sons, Chuck returned with his young family to Germany on behalf of IBM. They lived in Germany two different times for a total of six year. While there, Chuck made the most of the experience, traveling with his family throughout Europe and giving his sons an education in and appreciation for world geography, history and culture unmatched in the classroom. The family ultimately settled in Marietta, Georgia, where Chuck continued to work as a contractor for IBM and other companies. With his retirement, Chuck was able to turn his attention more fully to his interest in genealogy, his passion for sports (especially basketball and specifically Duke) and his love of wine. Chuck made an impression on all who knew and loved him, and his memory will be carried forward through their lives.

Charles Anthony Palazzo

April 16, 1938 - February 17, 2012