Valentino Antonino “Val” Palumbo

August 02, 2025

Valentino Antonino Palumbo was a mover and shaker. A mover and groover too! On August 2, 2025, the earth moved one more time. And with a wink and the warmest smile, he waltzed into the true blue. Trailing his stardust.

A person of deep feeling, kind expression, smooth steps, and a firm handshake, VA was a gentleman and a scholar. Graduate, from the school of hard knocks. Playing each hand as it was dealt. Always striking the right balance. So proud of his heritage. So joyful in the arms of his family and friends. A king of hearts. The Living Legend.

From the start, life whispered – may we have this dance? And that’s how it happened. Cheek to cheek. Best hit after hit. An unhurried course of picture-perfect days and pitch-perfect nights. In his wildest dreams. But his dreams were big. And he followed them.

Whatever’s given, give back more. That’s nothing he ever said aloud. But always what he tried to do. VA was thrilled and blessed to serve his country, community, congregation, and cohort. As a volunteer and veteran of the US Armed Forces. Let freedom ring! As a long-standing member of Lancaster’s Zoning Hearing Board, Historical Architectural Review Board, and a host of charitable groups, contributing to the shape and spirit of his hometown. As a lay minister with Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, personifying hope and keeping the faith. As the engine and fuel behind VA Palumbo Real Estate for seven decades, helping folks find homes and plant seeds. And most affectionately, as an ordinary citizen, good neighbor, wise mentor, steadfast companion, and irresistible family man. Just doing his thing. VA left it on the field. You don’t say? Is all he would have said about it.

Are the eyes the windows on the soul? VA couldn’t hide it. An original ocean rolled inside him, as impossible as life itself. Formed of his own wonder and the bounty of so many seasons. And there on the shore, a small transistor radio sits in the sand. Antenna tilted homeward. Tuned to all that was, is, and will come. Humming still. Across the waves. And on our wavelength. One voice, clear and familiar.

The passing of time sure is curious. But what a ride. And how! A million thanks to everyone who shared the ride with me. For the full, fun, fearless story, may our memories endure. Or comb the record just for kicks. I think you’ll find ‘the record shows, I took the blows and did it my way.’ Ciao amici! See you at the big shindig.

********

Valentino was born on October 16, 1926. He leaves in light his prankster boys, Frank and Chris; Fanny, his cherished daughter-in-law; nephews and nieces – Tom and Tony; Nancy; Dennis; Michael, Rosanne, Gina, and Tony, and their families. And fond memories of his sweetheart, dance partner, and loving wife, Norma; his courageous father and mother, Antonino and Michina; his brothers and sisters, Portia, Josephine, Frank, and Jean; and his extended family of close friends-through-thick-and-thin.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on August 20, 11:00am at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 558 W. Walnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 with the Rev. Stephen Logue. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 at the church. Interment will be in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and in the spirit of his passion for the place he resolutely called home, please send donations to The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County, https://my.linkpod.site/ValentinoPalumbo. Hugs and kisses.