Pantaleo "Leo" Palermo

With deep sadness, the family of Mr. Pantaleo “Leo” Palermo shares that he passed away in Hackensack, NJ on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at the age of 79, surrounded by his loving family after facing a long illness with remarkable courage and strength.

Born and raised in Palo del Colle, Italy, Mr. Palermo grew up as the youngest of eight boys in a close-knit family filled with love, playful mischief, and the strong bonds of brotherhood. Those family ties remained a meaningful part of his life. He immigrated with his family to Canada, where they settled in Montreal, and in the 1960s he moved to the United States, making his home in Hoboken, NJ. He cherished the family’s annual trips to Montreal, where he gathered with his brothers and their families, creating joyful memories across generations.

It was in Hoboken that he met the love of his life, Anna, and went on to share 51 years of love, partnership, and devotion. Union City became their longtime home, where they built a family and filled their lives with cherished memories, before retiring to Verona in 2021 to spend more time with their children and grandchildren.

Mr. Palermo worked for many years as a machinist with Ferguson Propeller Works in Hoboken. During his years there he brought skill, precision, and pride to the demanding work of creating marine propellers that drove large vessels such as Navy ships and nuclear-powered submarines. His talent for working with metal was not limited to his trade; drawing on what he learned at Ferguson, he created intricate brass pieces by hand, each one a reflection of his skill, patience, and craftsmanship. Quiet by nature, he had a sharp mind and a natural gift for technology, often understanding how things worked without needing much explanation. After retiring from the trade, he remained active, working in maintenance for the Union City Board of Education, where he was adored by students, faculty, and administration alike.

A lifelong soccer enthusiast, Mr. Palermo was a devoted Juventus fan— but welcomed the AC Milan fan with good humor. Sports remained one of the simple pleasures he enjoyed throughout his life. He especially loved watching the Yankees, the Montreal Canadiens, soccer matches, professional tennis, and Formula 1 racing. He also had a deep love of cooking and took great joy in preparing big feasts for his family, showing his love through the care he put into every meal. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, particularly his grandchildren, and looked forward to their annual summer trip to Cape May, NJ.

His love, courage, and steady presence will remain with all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Giovanni and Carmela (nee DeCeglie) Palermo; brothers, Giuseppe Palermo, Corrado Palermo, Cesario Palermo, Agostino Palermo, Franco Palermo and Mauro Palermo; and nephews, Giovanni Palermo and John Palermo.

Mr. Palermo is survived by the family who was the center of his life: his loving wife Anna M. (nee Bellifemine) Palermo; children, Carmela Maffucci (BJ) and Giovanni Palermo (Kelly); adored grandchildren, Julianna and Leah Palermo and Mateo Maffucci; brother, Nicolo Palermo (Antonia); sisters-in-law (Giacinta, Carmela, Vincenza, and Anna); and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Palermo’s memory may be made to the Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mr. Palermo’s life during visitation at the Dancy Funeral Home, 9 Smull Avenue, Caldwell, on Monday, September 7, 2026 from 4 to 7 PM. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Notre Dame Church, 359 Central Avenue, North Caldwell, on Tuesday, September 8 at 10 AM. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Mausoleum in North Arlington.

Condolences and memories may be shared on his obituary page at dancyfuneralhome.com.