Peter John Palmisano

Dr. Peter J. Palmisano, died peacefully in his sleep with family by his side, Sunday, December 30, 2012 in Tyler, Texas. He leaves behind the love of his life, Joan who took his hand in marriage January 20, 1963, and remained faithfully by his side for 50 years. Peter was born on August 20, 1929, in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of the late Samuel and Constance Palmisano. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the University of Vermont where he graduated from Medical School in 1954. He honorably served his country as Captain and medical officer at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. He then started his General Practice in St. Petersburg. After five years, he returned to Maryland to do his residency in Radiology where he met Joan. While in Maryland, Peter completed his Residency and Fellowships at Georgetown University, Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed Army Hospital. He also published numerous articles in radiology and nuclear medicine journals throughout his career. His successful Radiology practice took him from Palm Beach County Florida where he was Chief of Radiology at Bethesda Memorial Hospital for nine years; to Tyler, Texas where he served on the staff of Mother Frances Hospital and East Texas Medical Center. In addition to his astounding medical practice, Dr. Palmisano was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, a loving and adoring husband, proud and attentive father and an indulging and doting grandfather, and he will be greatly missed. Peter is survived by his treasured wife Joan and leaves three revered daughters, Kimberly McDavid and husband David of Dallas; Angela Bird and husband Tony of Austin; and Connie Loyd and husband Chuck of Winter Park, Florida. Dr. Palmisano also has two beloved sons John Palmisano of Tyler and Pete Palmisano of Hobe Sound, Florida. Peter known as "Papa Doc" to his eight cherished grandchildren, Sean, Brittany, PJ, Malia, Jacob, Mason, Mulvey and Barrett. He is also survived by his sister and two brothers. Papa Doc always made time for his family, besides telling stories of his early childhood to his children and grandchildren; Peter enjoyed deep-sea fishing and island hopping in the Atlantic Ocean. He often summered in Maine, where he would stargaze, hike and view wildlife. Peter also loved playing golf at Willowbrook Country Club. He was an admirer of the arts and loved drawing, reading and writing. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a contribution to the Alzheimers Alliance of Smith County, 211 Winchester, Tyler, TX. 75701 or the Hospice of East Texas Foundation, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX. 75701. Visitation will be held Friday, January 4, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Stewart Family Funeral Home, followed by a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM with Bishop Joseph Strickland officiating. Funeral services will be held at a later date with interment at Hope Cemetery in Vermont.

Peter John Palmisano

August 20, 1929 - December 30, 2012