Theresa (Risi) Palermo

Theresa Palermo (Risi)

3/12/24 - 10/8/23

A beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend to many, Theresa Palermo (née Risi) passed away peacefully on October 8, 2023, at the age of 99 at her family home in Cold Spring, NY. 

Theresa was born on March 12, 1924 in Manhattan, NY, and was the fourth of six children to parents Fioravante and Anna Risi. She married Paul Palermo on November 8, 1948, with whom she had two cherished daughters. The family settled in Bronx, NY where Theresa proudly lived until 2022. Over her life, Theresa engaged in several professions including working as a seamstress, a homemaker, and a clerk at MetLife.  

Theresa will be remembered for her unending devotion to her family, her selfless heart, contagious laughter, her passion for lotto, the New York Yankees, and all things beautiful. She spent much of her later years with her family in Cold Spring, and was an integral part of every special occasion and normal day. Her courage, wisdom, humor, grace, and kindness will continue to inspire those who shared her love. 

Heaven rejoiced as Theresa reunited with her husband Paul, and all of her Risi siblings and their spouses. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Grifel and husband Stuart, and Paulette Califano and husband Salvatore, grandchildren Robert Califano and wife Bethany, Virginia Ronconi and husband Tyler, and Thomas Califano, great-grandchildren Alice and George Califano, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. 

The family will received friends and relatives at Ralph Giordano Funeral Home on Thursday, October 12, 2023 from 9:30 - 11:00 am.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Benedict's Church on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 11:30 am.  Mrs. Palermo will be laid to rest immediately following the funeral mass at St. Raymond's Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Ralph Giordano Funeral Home.

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