Richard Santo Palmano, of Winter Park, passed away from heart failure at the age of 65 on June 3, 2017, surrounded by his loved ones.

Richard was born in Utica, NY to Santo and Doris (Zambon) Palmano.  He grew up playing sports, made his way through college as a pool shark, and as an adult was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast.  Beyond his love of sports, Richard was a talented singer and pianist who was legendary for leading rousing sing-alongs around the piano at parties.  He also enjoyed cooking and frequently hosted gatherings with family and friends.  Richard had a special knack for making people feel welcome.  He was always looking out for those in need and would do anything to help someone when he could.

His main career in life was as a manufacturer representative until December of 2001, when he and his wife Teresa opened Palmano's Café in downtown Winter Park.  During the nearly 14 years that they owned it, the café became known as the local's coffee spot, a place in which friendships, businesses and community were built.  Richard cherished the friends that he made at the café.  They were what drove him to wake before the sun rose each day in order to make them a coffee, often times one they did not order but drank anyway.

In its early years, Palmano's Café had a slogan, "Hard to Find, Impossible to Forget".  Richard Palmano is a true reflection of that expression.  He was compassionate, funny, and supportive, a great friend, husband and father.

He is preceded in death by his mother Doris, father Santo, sister Cynthia, and daughter Renee Marie Palmano.  Richard is survived by his loving wife Teresa, his son Richard, daughter-in-law Michelle, grandchildren Sofia, Caleigh, Conner, Gunner, Adelia, and Cannon, stepchildren Jamie and Jay, siblings Barbara, John, Mary and Annie and his favorite four-legged companion Latte.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 9:30am at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park, FL.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association at 237 E. Marks Street

Orlando, FL 32803 or https://donatenow.heart.org/?s_src=NAV

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and physicians in the Cardiac Critical Care Unit at ORMC, as well as the residents and staff at The Legacy Club golf course in Alaqua Lakes, where he enjoyed his last round of golf with his wife and best friend, Teresa.