Richard J. Palumbo, II

Lowellville - Richard J. Palumbo, II, 49, passed away on Sunday evening, August 18, 2024, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by family. 

Richard, fondly known as "Rick," was born October 11, 1974 in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Richard J. Palumbo, I and Grace DeLorenzo Palumbo.

A lifelong resident of Lowellville, Rick graduated from Lowellville High School in 1993, where he distinguished himself not only as a talented athlete but also as an exceptional student. Proudly wearing a Rockets jersey for the school's football, track and field, and basketball teams, Rick was awarded the Paul V. Johnson Award for Best All-Around Athlete for two consecutive years and reached 1,000 career points in basketball. 

Rick continued his academic pursuits at Youngstown State University, where he was awarded the Dean's Scholarship, ultimately earning his Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering. It was here, that he met fellow classmate Jill Geiger, and they were united in marriage on April 20, 2002. Together, they created a warm and loving home in Lowellville, celebrating 22 wonderful years of marriage and raising their two children, Ricky and Gianna. 

Professionally, Rick dedicated his career to PPG Industries, where he held the positions of Applications Manager and currently Testing Team Lead at the company's Lordstown and Cleveland offices. His contributions to the company earned him the distinction of receiving PPG Industries' Emerging Leader Award on two occasions, a testament to his dedication and strong work ethic. 

Beyond his professional achievements, Rick was a devoted and loving family man whose greatest joy came from spending time with his wife and children. Being home with his family was his true happy place. Rick shared his passion for sports with his kids, coaching their baseball, softball, and football teams, during their elementary and middle school years. Most recently, Rick was the Assistant Coach for the Lowellville Girls Varsity Basketball Team. 

Rick served as a mentor, not only to his own children, but their friends as well. His fun-loving personality, captivating story-telling ability, and readiness to engage in playful activities, drew everyone to him. He could often be found with the kids and their friends organizing spontaneous games, challenging them to a good game of ping-pong, and teaching them to ride four-wheelers. 

Rick was down to earth, humble, and all-around good guy. It didn't take much to keep him content, he simply wanted everyone he loved to be happy and have what they needed. Rick's generosity, love, and kindness knew no bounds and he will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered forever.

In addition to his parents, Rick and Grace of Lowellville, Rick leaves to carry on his legacy, his wife Jill; children, Richard J. Palumbo, III and Gianna Palumbo; sister, Tracy (Rob) Dovich of Canfield; mother-in-law, Patricia (Donald) Barger of Noblesville, IN; father-in-law, Tim (Margaret) Geiger of Livermore, CA; brother-in-law, Jeff (Tara) Barger of Noblesville, IN; sister-in-law, Susan (Clayton) Weidemann of McLeod, MT; nieces and nephews, Jake, Alec, and Michael Dovich, Riley and Isla Barger, and Ben, Madeline, and William Weidemann; aunts and uncles, Rose Kmetz, Marietta Filastro, Tom (Pam) Palumbo, Roy (Linda) Palumbo, Tom McKnight, and Dan McKnight; and a host of special cousins, extended family, and friends.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral, 270 N. Main St., Poland. A prayer service will be held on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, Lowellville. Interment will follow in the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cemetery.

The family would like to express their appreciation and thank Rick's oncology doctors at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Wee, Dr. Murphy, and Dr. Neale, for their dedicated and compassionate care. 

Memorial contributions can be made in Rick's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to share memories and condolences with Rick's family.