Bucky Palermo

Of Shaler Twp., formally from Lawrenceville, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 surrounded by his family after succumbing to an injury he suffered a week prior. Bucky was the beloved husband of the late Kathleen Palermo; devoted and loving father of Christine Kuczynski (Thomas), Marian Dolan (Charles), Tony, Ann Kopec (Ronald) and Eugene; son of the late Oresto and Rachel Palermo; brother of Antoinette Szczypinski, Harry and Frank; caring grandfather of Sabrina Riccelli (Corrado), Christopher Casey (April), Melissa McGlone (Colin), Dan Palermo, Joe Palermo, Nikki Bandurski (Justin), Maria Palermo, Ashley Kopec; also survived by many nieces and nephews, along with nine great-grandchildren. Bucky "the shoemaker" Palermo lived an incredible life. He was loved by the community and his superior craftsmanship caught the attention of some of the largest names in sports over his 70-year stretch as a cobbler and athletic repairman. And if fixing shoes at the shop alongside his wife wasnt enough, he was also a pro wrestling referee for 35 years after his own boxing career landed him the Golden Gloves in 1950. Although Buckys professional accomplishments are profound, the love he had for his family and friends will be his most lasting legacy. Bucky adored his wife Kathleen, and the love and admiration they shared for 65 years now spans three generations. He leaves behind a family that will cherish every hug, smile, story, and memory they ever shared. He was a sweet man that took joy in lifes simple pleasures and never complained about his hardships, simply embraced them. As we mourn his death, we also celebrate his life and in the words of Bucky, "I had a good life, a real good life. Good life, good marriage. And in the end, thats all we can hope for.".
Celebrate Buckys life with his family on Friday from 1-8 PM at Perman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 923 Saxonburg Blvd. at Rte. 8, Shaler Twp. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Spirit Parish, Millvale on Saturday at 10 AM. The family respectfully requests donations be made to the Down Syndrome Association of Pittsburgh, 200 Bursca Avenue, Bridgeville PA 15017 or https://www.dsapgh.org/.