Salvadore Vincent Palermo

He was truly one of a kind!

Sam's motto for his 90th birthday was "I'm a 60 year old man, stuck in a 90 year old body!" And that is how he looked at life, he loved it and wanted to be out there doing something, anything, interacting with people, laughing and kidding and playing. He didn't want to be old and refused to act like an old person.

He played all kinds of sports and was ready for anything fun, but he was especially fond of the casino. He was notorious for his unconventional wit and humor. He would tell the most awful jokes over and over again and laugh like it was the first time he ever told it.

So many adjectives could be used to describe Sam. The ones most often used from people who knew him well were, "quite a character", "one funny man", "witty", "easy going", "sweet", and "fun". As one of his work buddies would always say "you should write a book about Sam", he had so many funny things happen in his life, and most were self-initiated.

Sam married the love of his life Dorothy Thorwegen in 1943 and they remained married until her death in 2008. He served in WWII as a Marine from 1943-1946. Luckily he arrived after Japan surrendered. He was stationed Sasebo Japan and visited both Nagasaki and Okinawa.

Upon his return to the states, he went to Delgado University and took a class in sign painting. His reasoning for this career choice was "the refrigeration class was already full and the sign painting class was the next door down". This haphazard occupational choice seemed to serve him well though. He started A-1 Signs, Inc. in 1968 and continued working in some capacity there until he was in his late 80's.

It seems as though everyone loved Sam and that's because Sam loved everyone. If he met you once he considered you a friend and would kid with you like he knew you forever. This large group of friends consisted of his work friends (he was the owner of A-1 Signs, Inc.), his golf buddies (he was a member of Green Crest Golf Club) his large and extended family (he was part of the Corona family) and everyone else he ever met. His philosophy on life was be a friend to everyone because "we're all just trying to get through this crazy world the best way we know how".

He was a great friend, father and grandfather and we will all of miss his bad jokes, his constant teasing and his love for life.

The quote I think best summed him up was " When Uncle Bull was around, it was always more fun".

Sam was born April 12, 1924 . He is survived by his 2 daughters, Lillian Palermo Orlando (Tony deceased) and Pamela Palermo Blauvelt (Lloyd), his grandchildren Kim Orlando Frilot (Jim), Ryan Blauvelt (Sonia), Lauren Blauvelt Blumstein (Cage) and his great grandchildren, Courtney Frilot and Benjamin Blumstein.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the caregivers for the expert and loving care that was given to Sam during his final year and a half.

To leave any fond memories, funny stories or condolences, please visit our website at www.lakelawnmetairie.com

Due to the current restrictions, a private memorial service will be held for the immediate family. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.