H. John Palumbo

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for H. John Palumbo, 85, of Newark, at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, April 28, 2022 at The Church of St. Edward the Confessor, Granville with Msgr. Paul P. Enke as celebrant. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 P.M. at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the Mass at the church.

A retired sales manager at Velvet Ice Cream, John passed away April 14, 2022 at Licking Memorial Hospital in Newark. He was born in Columbus, Ohio to the late Enricus and Geraldine Palumbo.

John’s working career included working 20 years at Alber’s Supermarket and 36 years at Velvet Ice Cream where he began as delivery driver. He held positions in sales and distribution and management and concluded his career as sales manager. He also was very knowledgeable of the grocery industry and was pivotal in turning around many stores.

With a variety of interests that included crossword puzzles, golfing, bowling, and playing euchre, John kept busy. He was often referred to as the life of the party and was known for his “Johnisms”. He volunteered in his community was instrumental in the inaugural Utica Ice Cream Festival where he was a judge, chief ice cream scooper, and root beer stand attendant for many years.

A member of St. Edward’s Church, John was a faithful catholic throughout his life. He was an altar server, lector, and sang in the choir. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Surviving are his wife of 16 years, Agnes; children, Teresa (Bill) Atkins and Michael Palumbo; step children, Christopher Hoar and Emily (Joshua) Sayre; grandchildren, Phillip, Kamaya, Nicole (Steve), Shannon, Chad (Rachel), Nathan (Kayla), Tara, Felicia, and Jennifer; step grandchildren, Clayton, Peyton, and Eva; brother, Jim (Lyn) Palumbo; sister, Marjorie Polson; and several great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his first wife of 44 years, Shirley; sons, Anthony and Paul; and grandson, Shawn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent De Paul Society, in care of the church, or St. Edward Church, 785 Newark Granville Rd., Granville, OH 43023.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcpeekhoekstra.com.