Emanuel D. Palmisano

PALMISANO, Emanuel D. ‘Pep’ Beloved husband of the late Frankie Palmisano for 51 years. Loving father of Laureen (Jack) Ranz and Mark Palmisano, and step father of Robert (the late Brenda) Lowman. Devoted grandfather of Madelyn Ranz (Andrew Tate) and Gabrielle Ranz. Cherished brother of Mary Jane Palmisano, the late Paul (Marilyn) Palmisano, the late Joan (Prescott) Adamson and the late Shirley Palmisano. Dear brother-in-law of the late Geraldine (Jake) Fitzpatrick, the late Marjorie (Charles) Gosney, the late Elbert (Christine) Valentine, the late Mary Lou (Stacie) Ellis, the late Matt (Sharlene) Valentine, the late Paul (Faye) Valentine, and the late Marilyn (Joe) Tenhundfeld. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 after a very full and healthy 92 years of life. 

Family and friends are invited to the visitation at MEYER FUNERAL HOME, 5864 Bridgetown Rd., on FRIDAY, NOV 1 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with Words of Remembrance at 7:00 PM and to the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Teresa of Avila, 1175 Overlook Ave., on SATURDAY NOV 2 at 10:30 AM with full military honors at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. The family invites you to wear or accessorize in purple in honor of Pep’s beloved alma mater, Elder High School, and in support of those who have been impacted by Alzheimer’s Disease, like both Pep and Frankie and their caregivers. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Assoc., 720 E. Pete Rose Way Suite 330 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. www.bjmeyer.com

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Emanuel (better known by all as ‘Pep’) Palmisano passed away peacefully while in the loving care of his family and Hospice of Cincinnati on October 22, 2024 at a miraculously young 92 years of life. Pep was born to Lawrence and Josephine Palmisano, whose parents immigrated from Termini Imerese, Sicily, and started a fruit stand business. Pep’s very traditional Catholic Italian heritage and upbringing very much shaped his strong family values and his tell-it-like-it-is personality, much to the betterment and enjoyment of all who were lucky enough to know him. 

Pep was born and raised in East Price Hill in Cincinnati, where he attended Holy Family School and Parish. Pep later graduated from Elder High School, where he was involved in football and boxing. Pep remained a very proud Elder alumnus his entire life, attending Elder football games with family and friends. You could often find Pep representing his purple pride with breakfast at Price Hill Chili. 

Pep served his country in the United States Army as a medic tech in the Korean War. After returning from the war, Pep worked for a finance company in downtown Cincinnati, where he met Frankie, who would later become his wife. Pep eventually left the finance world for more entrepreneurial endeavors. He owned and operated a Texaco service station in Covington, KY for nearly 10 years with his brother-in-law Press before working as a machinist/operator at Emery (Henkel) Chemical for more than 20 years until he retired. 

Even before marrying, Pep embraced Frankie’s son (Bobby) from her first marriage as his own and they grew their family with the births of Laureen and Mark. Pep was the ultimate family man, who put his family first, always, and saw family as his calling in life —whether that be for his children, his wife, his grandchildren, his siblings, extended family, neighbors, or friends. You could always count on the assurance of Pep’s presence, help and support—no matter what, no questions asked, no deals to be brokered in return.

Pep’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his children and grandchildren, Maddie and Gabby. His greatest pride was not only being able to watch his granddaughters grow up, but being a daily part of their upbringing, helping shape the wonderful adults they have become.

Besides family, some of Pep’s favorite things included Frank Sinatra music, a nice hunk of smelly cheese with rye bread, Cincinnati sports, spaghetti and meatballs with diavolo sauce, and a good old fashioned, black and white Western on TV (especially if starring John Wayne). Peppy was one of a kind; his absence a void we will ache, always. His charisma, authenticity, loyalty and love will be deeply missed and remembered.