Liberata “Libby” “Dolly” Palumbo

Rochester, NY passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 15, 2024 surrounded by her family. 

She is predeceased by her: loving husband Anthony C. (or Chick) Palumbo, son in law Horace P Gioia, grandson in law Dr. Christopher Cotroneo, sister(& husband) Amelia (Paul) Colaprete, her brother(& wife) Armando (Marjorie) Rotondi, sister in-law Joyce Rotondi and her parents, Genoveffa (born Ristori) and John Rotondi.

She is survived by her: brother John Rotondi jr; children: Dr. Anthony C (Janice) Palumbo jr, Gary Palumbo Sr., Robert (Nicola) Palumbo, Michael (Kimberly) Palumbo, Susan Gioia (David McDonald) and Mark (Maritrese) Palumbo; grandchildren: Gary (Lisa) Palumbo, Christina Palumbo, Gina Palumbo, Anthony D (Meaghan) Palumbo, Dr. Kathryn Palumbo, Kevin (Tammy Tings) Palumbo, Jeffrey (Amanda) Palumbo, Robert (Kari) Palumbo jr, Gabrielle (Francesco) Monti, Emma Palumbo, Michael Palumbo, Isabella Palumbo, Sophia Palumbo, Alexander H. Gioia, Gianna Palumbo, Michelangelo Palumbo, and Angelo Palumbo, step grandchildren: Alyssa (Tyler) Wolfanger and Michael Monti (Meriah Evans), great grandchildren: Ava Palumbo, Meah Palumbo, Luciana Palumbo, Lily Palumbo, Grace Palumbo, Scarlett Cotroneo, Jack Cotroneo, Sophia Palumbo, Luke Palumbo, Emilia Monti and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Libby was born August 28, 1928 in Rochester NY. She attended St. Lucy’s RC while growing up. Libby graduated from Madison High School (1946) and Rochester Business Institute (1947). Libby met the love of her life , Anthony (Chick) Palumbio in Rochester and was wed on September 23, 1950.  Libby was kept busy running the house and raising six children.  She was an excellent cook and especially good baker.  Many were very fond of her fresh pies: pumpkin with praline crust, apple, cherry with lattice top and especially strawberry pie with toasted almond crust and custard filling.  She would always bake two loaves of bread because the recipe said to freeze one. No chance- the first was gone shortly after exiting the oven, and the second disappeared at dinner.  Whenever Libby went to a picnic, she would have to hide the toffee bars she baked until it was time for desserts.

Libby’s love for the arts started young- learning piano and being in the high school play.  Later in life, Libby enjoyed doing things with friends: attending plays at Geva, visiting the Memorial Art Gallery, yoga and ballet. She was health conscious before it was a thing: attending Weight watchers, making yogurt and getting exercise. Mom especially enjoyed and appreciated the care when Lisa came every Thursday the last two years. The family would like to thank Dr. Ragusa for the medical care provided to our mom- she had a better quality of life for which we are grateful.

Friends may call Friday (Dec. 27th) 4-7 PM at Vay-Schleich and Meeson , 1075 Long Pond Road. Libby’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday (Dec 28th) at 10:30 AM at Holy Cross Church, 4492 Lake Ave, Rochester, NY 14612. Interment, Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm or HUGS Foundation in her memory.