It is with the deepest of sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved son Anthony Palazzi. Known by everyone as Tony, he passed away on April 19, 2021, peacefully in his sleep. Tony was born in 1977, to his loving parents William and Mary Ellen Palazzi, in Springfield, Massachusetts. Tony was a great son, a loving father, a very loved brother, the family comedian, and a friend to many. An excellent student, Tony graduated with honors from Springfield Central High School, then furthered his education at the Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, earning a bachelor’s degree in business.
As a youth, Tony was a natural in sports, playing baseball, soccer, and basketball for numerous teams in the area, including Our Lady of Hope parish, Our Lady of Sacred Heart parish, St Catherine’s parish, the Springfield Elks, as well as Tri-County baseball. Tony also played both baseball and football for Central High School and was the first ever ninth grader to start on the varsity football team. Tony played four years of college football at Sacred Heart University, as well as Semi-Pro football for the Springfield Blitzin’ Bears. As an adult, Tony loved playing softball, golf and bowling.
While sports were a very large part of his life, that was only one part of him. Tony was funny, quick witted, spoke fluent Spanish, an avid cook and he had the biggest heart in the world. He was just a big lovable guy who would do anything for his family or friends.
Above all else was Tony’s love for his family, especially his three children, Alexa Palazzi from Ludlow, and Andrew and Dylan Palazzi from Agawam, who meant the world to him. He was an unbelievably hands-on dad, cherishing every moment he had with his children.
Besides Tony’s parents and children, Tony will be forever missed by his best friend and sister Teresa Palazzi and her daughter Dezani Fernandez from Springfield, his loving brother Thomas (Shannon Garvey) Palazzi and their daughter, Tony’s little buddy, Elouise Palazzi from Palmer. Tony also leaves behind two uncles, Robert Palazzi and Michael (Donna) Vandal, as well as his cousins, Cynthia (Scott) Theroux, Richard Palazzi and Christina Palazzi all from West Springfield, Robert (Diane) Palazzi from Chatham, NJ and Karla Vandal from Agawam, as well as numerous second cousins.
Tony’s family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Wednesday, April 28th from 4-7pm at the Forastiere Smith Family Funeral Home, located at 220 North Main St in East Longmeadow. His funeral will begin on Thursday morning at 10:30am at the funeral home, with a funeral home service commencing at 11am. Tony will then be laid to rest at Hillcrest Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, it is the wish of the family that donations be made on Tony’s behalf to the Boston Children’s Hospital.