William Palumbo

William, a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and great uncle, born in Manhattan, and raised in the Bronx, passed peacefully at home with his wife of 53 years, Madeleine by his side at 88 years of age. Billy, as he was known, was the youngest of six children born to Pasquale and Victoria Palumbo. He is preceded by his parents, two sisters and three brothers, seven in-laws and two nephews and best friends from childhood. He is survived by his wife, three children, four grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, a brother-in-law, twenty-three nieces and nephews, and countless cousins.

Billy loved baseball and had a rocket arm. At 18, after a tryout at Ebbets field, he was drafted as a pitcher by the NY Giants. His career ended with an injury in spring training. He loved music and big band performers such as Stan Kenton, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson and of course, Frank Sinatra. He was himself a drummer who played many gigs in and around New York City.

Bill was drafted into the US Army in Texas and honorably discharged after three years of service. He adored the friends that he made in his neighborhood growing up in the Bronx and in the army. His career began in First National Bank and then joined his older brother Bernard at Snelling & Snelling Employment agency. He later owned two franchise offices.

Afterwards, he became a NYC school bus driver throughout the boroughs. He added driving instructor to his resume including teaching on automatic and manual transmission cars in Manhattan. He picked up Paddleball during his breaks and influenced his sons to join him for over 15 years.

He had a passion for trains, both model and heritage locomotives, visited countless scenic rail tours and received his steam locomotive operator’s license at age 80 from Essex Steam Train Railroad.

He had a love for both of his Alfa Romeo’s- his original 1969 GT Veloce and his 2017 Giulia and when he moved to Long Island, he enjoyed driving the hills of Sea Cliff as if he were on the Italian riviera. He then picked up Pickleball and made friends on every court he played. He continued in tournaments including one at CitiField and loved teaching everyone about the sport including his grandchildren.

He was a mentor to anyone who put on a glove and played baseball, especially to pitch. He was the ultimate Yankee fan, named best dressed at the stadium, he adored both watching from his living room as much as live, eating peanuts with the satisfaction of landing a free spot by the courthouses.

He was a proud spectator to all his grandchildren’s sports, activities, recitals and performances.

Bill had a face that smiled from ear to ear, always pleasant, the type of person who people wanted to be around. He could cut up the rug on the dance floor with his wife like no other. He lived a faithful life and enjoyed attending mass. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His infectious laughter remains in our hearts.

Donations can be made to St. Jude in William's honor