Frank Ernest Palumbo, age 89, died Monday, March 17, 2025, at Allure of Sterling, IL.
Frank was born on August 12,1935, in Manhattan, NY, the son of Dominick and Mildred (Gallo) Palumbo. He married Donna Sue Cox on November 28, 1959, at St. Ferdinand’s Church in Chicago, IL, and together they enjoyed 64 years of marriage.
Frank attended St. Ann Grammar School in East Harlem, NY. Growing up in East Harlem, NY, the Boys Club played an integral role in his young life development. This led to him earning a scholarship to the prestigious Phillips Academy Andover, Greenwich, CT. Frank then attended Springfield College, Springfield, MA, earning a BS degree in Physical Education. From there he ventured to the Midwest to attend graduate school at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, obtaining his MPED. It was at Indiana University where he met his future wife, Donna.
Frank’s first job was at Wright Junior College, Chicago, where his teaching and coaching career began. He and Donna started their family during this time. In 1965, Sauk Valley Community College opened, giving Frank the opportunity to move his family to the Sterling area. At Sauk he became the school’s first Athletic Director, and established programs in Basketball, Baseball, Swimming, and Track. Later on, he expanded the program to include Tennis. During his 30+ years at Sauk, he was a dedicated Coach, Teacher, and Mentor. Frank reflected on his life “as a wonderful day in the sun.”
After retirement, he and Donna enjoyed many years of road travels throughout the U. S., cruising, attending concerts, and many visits from their family and friends, to both their home in Sterling and their second home in Ft. Myers, FL. After Donna’s passing in December 2023, he enjoyed being an active member of the Morningside of Sterling Senior Living and Care Community, as well as a member of the Sacred Heart Parish.
Survivors include his sons, Timothy (Ann), of Elmhurst, IL, and Richard of Sterling; daughter-in-law, Suzanne, of Morrison, IL; seven grandchildren, Michael Palumbo of Downers Grove, IL, Anthony Palumbo, of Colorado Springs, CO, Andrew Palumbo, of Las Vegas, NV, Daniel Palumbo (Jasmine Anderson) of Prophetstown, IL, Allison (Kevin) Vouk, of Cleveland, OH, Emily Palumbo (Scotty Tuin), Prescott, WI, and Elizabeth Palumbo of Morrison; 12 great-grandchildren.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife; son, Ronald Palumbo; parents; brother, Ernest.
Visitation will be Monday, March 24, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at McDonald Funeral Home, 505 First Avenue, Sterling, IL.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., at the funeral home, with Reverend Thomas Doyle officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling, IL.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Boys Club of New York City, 91 5th Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10003 ( 212-677-7261) bcny.org; Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2224 Avenue J, Sterling, IL 61081.
Online condolences may be sent to www.McDonaldfuneralhomes.com.