Michael Palmisano

Michael T. Palmisano, 102, of Champaign died at 3:17 p.m. on Oct. 21, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.  There will be a visitation from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St., Champaign. The funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. at St. Matthews Catholic Church, 1303 Lincolnshire Dr., Champaign. Interment will be in Mt. Hope Mausoleum, with Military Honors accorded by VFW #5520 Color Guard.

Mike was born on Jan. 31, 1922, in Champaign, a son of Thomas and Rose (Gentille) Palmisano. He married Catherine Buttitta on Sept. 6, 1941. Catherine died in 2014, leaving Mike after 73 years of marriage.

Survivors include one daughter, Rose (James) Shahan of Champaign; five grandchildren, Kim, Kelly, Jason, Ashley and Mason; two great-grandchildren, Courtney and Caius; and four great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife; one brother; and one sister.  

Mike was a proud Veteran, having served in the Army during WWII, where he unofficially earned a Purple Heart for a leg wound. He went to work locally as a mason and bricklayer right after the war and finally earned retirement after turning 90 years old. He was also fortunate enough to participate in the Honor Flight program in 2011. 

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