Terry Palermo
Terry Palermo, age 74, entered into eternal rest on April 26, 2025 after a very short illness.
Terry is survived by his wife of 34 years, Patricia. He leaves behind two daughters – Daina Rosen (Jeff) and Jill Bascom (Hugh) and four grandchildren. Terry was the oldest of four children (Roy, Cathy, Michelle) and was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Rose Palermo. Close family members also include Stephen and Janice Stanisa, Carolyn Stanisa and Mark Bandish as well as his niece Jennifer (Marcus), nephews Matt (Liz), Patrick, a great-nephew and niece.
After a 40-year career in the electronics/computer industry where he served in various roles Terry purchased a business (manufacturer of storage and organization products) which he owned for 16 years prior to his retirement in 2019.
It was really upon retirement that Terry found true enjoyment in life due to the organizations he volunteered for. He was in the Geauga West Rotary Club for 15 years that included several years in a leadership role (President and Board Member.) He was a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) which is a program of the Geauga County Juvenile Court. CASAs advocate for the best interests of children who are the victims of parental abuse/neglect/dependency. He was assigned to several families over the last five years and touched the lives of the children in those families. Terry volunteered for Next Step which is a program focusing on empowering victimized youths. He was a generous and dedicated member of the Advisory Board and cared deeply for the kids they serve. He was there to lend support, deliver snacks, purchase clothing and most importantly make huge trays of delicious homemade pasta with meatballs. He was a very active member of his church, St. John of the Cross in Euclid, where he served on the finance committee. In late 2023 he and his wife were asked to manage the St. John of the Cross Food Pantry which is under the umbrella of the Good Shepherd Family Center. This Food Pantry went from start-up in March 2024 to fully operational today serving 300 people a month. These volunteer positions were the love of his life, and he put countless hours a week into fulfilling the commitments of these roles.
Terry had an infectious smile and great sense of humor. He had a unique ability to bring laughter into any setting. Terry was graciously generous with others and always put himself last. He was a friend, supporter and mentor to countless people.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 2, at St. John of the Cross, 140 Richmond Road, Euclid, OH at 12:30 p.m. Friends and family will be received from 11:00 to 12:30 in the gathering space in the church. In lieu of flowers donations to the St. John of the Cross Food Pantry would be appreciated.