Obituary of Dr. Michael DePalo

Michael DePalo, 95, a resident of Whitingham, VT passed away peacefully on March 11, 2024 at Brookdale Assisted Living Facility in Emerson, NJ. He was surrounded by his loving family. Michael was born in Bari, Italy on January 5, 1929, the son of the late Frank and Vincenza Piscitelli DePalo. He came to the United States through Ellis Island when he was 5 years old and was raised in Brooklyn, NY. He attended Stuyvesant High School in New York City and St. John’s University in Queens. He returned to Italy to attend medical school at the University of Bologna. He began his career in general surgery in New York and later moved to New Jersey where he raised his family and continued his practice. He was an attending surgeon at St Clare’s and Riverside Hospital, where he served as Chief of Surgery. He embodied the true nature of medicine, caring deeply for his patients and their well-being. He was respected for his skills and compassion and was adored by his patients. 

He found joy spending time with his family, sharing meals and laughing with relatives. He loved attending operas and symphonies at Lincoln Center with his wife. His idea of a perfect Sunday was playing tennis and reading the New York Times. He retired to Vermont where he continued helping others by becoming a founding board member of the West River branch of Habitat for Humanity. More than anything, he cherished time with his grandchildren. They shared badminton games, ice cream, frog catching and all the simple joys of country life.

Michael was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Dorothea. He is  predeceased by his sisters Grace Dionisio and Dora Raso and his brother Vincent DePalo. He is survived by his loving children Victoria Zimmon, Michael DePalo, Stephanie DiGiacopo and her husband Gotttardo and Alisa Jarski and her husband Stephen. He was a wonderful grandfather to Devin, Else, Carl, Will, Annalise, Kayla and Ryan and great grandfather to Riley. He is also survived by his sister Nancy Canade and his six nieces and eight nephews.

A viewing will be held for Michael on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 4-8 pm at Dangler Lewis & Carey Funeral Home in Boonton, NJ. Funeral services will take place on Friday at 11:00 am with interment to follow at the Rockaway Valley Cemetery in Boonton Township, NJ. Memorial gifts in Michael’s name may be made to the Bennington County Habitat for Humanity PO Box 1159 Manchester, VT 05254.