Paul Anthony Palumbo, age 71, a longtime resident of Melrose, MA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16th after a lengthy illness with his family at his side.

Paul was born on March 8, 1953 in Everett, MA, the youngest of five children of the late Anthony Palumbo and Catherine Rose (Fregosi) Palumbo. Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Diane Marie (Lynn) Palumbo of Lynnfield, MA (his high school sweetheart) and his devoted son, Anthony John Palumbo of Georgetown, MA. He is the brother of Richard and Sandra Palumbo of Newton, MA and West Palm Beach, FL; Roberta and Michael Cogliano of Highland Village, TX; Bernadette and the late John Kennedy of Melrose, MA; Janice and the late Joseph Pini of Sunrise, FL; and the brother-in-law of John Lynn and his fiancé, Kim DeMaci, of Laconia, NH. He is also survived by many cherished nieces and nephews.

Paul grew up in Everett playing baseball, hockey and football, graduating from Everett High School, class of 1971, and Northeastern University, class of 1976, with a degree in Business Management and a minor in Sociology. After graduation, he was invited to begin his bakery management career with his Coop employer, Star Market. From there he became the Bakery Director for Stop & Shop, opening all new in-store bakeries in the New England area. He opened his own business, Creative Food Brokers in Melrose, MA and later merged with Lincoln Food Group in North Andover, MA. He retired from Caravan Food Brokers. He was a Board Director of the New England Frozen Food Association during his many years in the bakery products industry.

Paul was a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years, Bellevue Golf Club in Melrose, MA where he enjoyed golfing and socializing with his buddies and a member of Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina where he and Diane spent many enjoyable years boating with friends.

Friends and relatives will gather in honor of Paul at Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster Street, on Thursday, October 24th, with visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and a funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life reception at Bellevue Golf Club , 320 Porter Street, Melrose, MA. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Paul's memory to Boys Town, 200 Flanagan Blvd., Boys Town, NE 68010 or email address: boystown.org/give