Charles Palmeri
Charles “Chuck” Joseph Palmeri (97) passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 24, 2024. He was born on April 23, 1926 in Buffalo, NY, to Joseph C. Palmeri and Giovanna “Jennie” (Cavaretta) M. Palmeri.
He was predeceased by his wife Norma (Cosentino) in 1991.
Chuck is survived by his wife Carol (Rodak); his three daughters Karin (Frederick) Best, Hamburg, NY; Karla Palmeri, Salinas, CA; Janine Palmeri, Sarasota, FL; and step-daughter Cheryl (Dale) Edwards, Bradenton, FL. Survived by seven grandchildren, Jessica Getty, Sarah (Shea) Mercado, Frederick “Benjamin” (Jackie) Best, Cassandra (Andrew) Godios, Hunter Palmeri, Brett Edwards, and Cameron Edwards. Also survived by fourteen great-grandchildren, Samuel, Sophia, Sienna, Alayna, Michael, Elliana, Jason, Parker, Olivia, Crew, Presley, Mason, Aubrey and Benjamin. He is also survived by his sisters Theresa Palmeri, North Chili, NY; and Mary Holland, Hamburg, NY; and his brother Joseph Palmeri, Buffalo, NY. He was predeceased by his brother, Vincent Palmeri. Survived by many nieces and nephews.
Chuck graduated from Little Seminary in Buffalo, NY, before entering the U.S. Army in 1944 as a member of the 42nd Infantry “Rainbow” Division. For his service in France, Germany, and Austria, he was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, and the Silver Star. In the waning days of the war, he witnessed the horror of the Dachau Concentration Camp shortly after its liberation. During the Army of Occupation, Chuck was the commander of the Marcus W. Orr internment camp for pro-Nazi civilians of Allied countries.
Following his Army discharge in June 1946, he graduated from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, earning his BBA in 1950. After college, Chuck managed Lincoln Car Rental (later Avis, National) and was sales manager of Whitmer Jackson Inc., a large millwork distributor. He began his successful real estate career building a new “town” called Ransom Oaks in Amherst, NY, as an executive vice president of Caldwell Development. He went on to found his own company, developing Craneridge, an innovative round lot community, in Colden, NY, and then Stonehenge, in Orchard Park, NY, where he raised his family. He was a member of the Wanakah Country Club.
After a stint in Atlanta managing GE Morgan, a division of Combustion Engineering, in 1982, Chuck moved to Sarasota, FL. In 1986, he purchased a motel on Casey Key and developed it into a vacation condo association, Gulfside Beach
Club. After 40 years as a successful real estate broker, in 2018, Charles started another chapter of his life when he wrote Boy Soldier: Recollections of World War II. Though Boy Solider was initially written so that his family would know about his wartime experiences, Chuck was invited to speak to many local schools, churches, synagogues, libraries, and organizations, sharing his stories, particularly about the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp.
A longtime member of The Oaks Club, Chuck enjoyed playing tennis and golf there, and was especially proud to have made two holes-in-one on the club course. He was a devout Catholic, an active member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Osprey, FL, and a proud Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 15821.
Chuck was beloved by everyone who knew him and will be greatly missed.
A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 425 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his memory may donate to your favorite charity or Tidewell Hospice, 3550 S Tamiami Trail, FL 1, Sarasota, FL 34239
