By: Rich Bergeron
I knew Anthony Palermo, Jr. when he was a Freshman at Norwich University who joined my Boxing club. Anthony was one of my toughest fighters. He showed up every day, and he never complained about the crazy workouts I put my pupils through. He was always eager for more.
Anthony was also always very professional. He fit the military mold very well, and he was proud to wear the uniform. As we used to say at Norwich about the standout rook cadets, Anthony was "high speed, low drag."
Hearing he'd reached the rank of Captain just 4 years after graduating college, I was very impressed with how far this "kid" had come since I first met him at practice. I will always remember him as that tough young kid who came out for the team and never quit. It didn't take long for that kid to become a man and to prove his worth.
We all miss Anthony, and his tragic death in 2007 took him from his family and friends much too soon. Here are some links to information about his passing:
HONOR THE FALLEN PAGE ON ANTHONY
IRQ/AFGHANISTAN WAR HEROES SITE
PALERMO HONORED BY MILITARY FAMILIES
We will be working to create and place a plaque for Anthony on the grounds of Brockton High School in coordination with the BATTLE OF THE BADGES II event set for April 24, 2010 at the Boston Athletic Club. Any funds we receive above and beyond the amount it will cost to create and install the plaque will go to a scholarship in Anthony's name.
It's time now to make sure Anthony's legacy is never forgotten. I have created this site to allow Anthony's friends and family to comment about him and leave photos, links, and messages about knowing this true American hero. I want those who were close to Anthony Palermo, Jr. to remind the world who he was so future generations can learn from his great example. I look forward to giving my tribute in public on April 24th, and we will have video of it posted here later. It is my intention to create a perpetual yearly scholarship fund in Anthony's name to benefit Brockton High School graduates. We will provide news here on the plaque drive and the scholarship creation as it happens.
IF YOU HAVE ANY PHOTOS OR INFO ON ANTHONY YOU WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE, YOU CAN LEAVE THEM IN THE COMMENT SECTION HERE OR EMAIL THEM TO RICH.BERGERON@GMAIL.COM
Just click HERE to access the comment area (scroll down for the entry box). The more comments left, the better. The cost of the plaque we will have commissioned is more than $2,000, and you can donate by clicking on the button to the right.
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The comment section works now, so feel free to leave your stories about Tony below.
Tony,
This Tuesday it will be three years since many people's lives changed forever. We became friends our freshman year of high school and we never looked back. From drinking in your basement to doing push ups together at Norwich, to drinking sangria cunos on your grandfather's farm in Puerto Rico. You were an amazing persona and an amazing friend. You were the epitome of what a best friend should be and you will never be replaced. You even called me from Iraq to say "hey" and you called my wife when I was in Iraq to make sure she was doing ok. You were someone I always looked up to although we were peers. You always overachieved at what I just achieved and sometimes even underachieved.
You are, and will remain, the Godfather of my youngest daughter. Although, you never met her, you will always be a hero to her and you will always be "Uncle Tony" as your picture and T-shirt hang on my wall. You've touched so many people in so many ways during your brief time on Earth. It is crazy to think it has been three years and there is not a day that goes by where you don't cross my mind... and I can only imagine what it's like for Kristy, your mom and sister, and the rest of your family. Kristy is a rock just like you and it's no wonder you two were meant for each other and I know she loves you and misses you no less than she did three years ago.
Your leadership and candor is something this Army desperately needs, and desperately misses. They lost a great leader and decision maker. The unique thing about you, Tony, is if you were given a chance to repeat April 6, 2007 - you wouldn't change a darn thing. You are and will forever be missed and may your spirit live on through Marcus. I miss you bro. Rest in peace.
Tony we will all miss you very much. I remember drill team, PT and Prom. You will always be loved by many.
Love always Alayna
i made this for my cousin
http://helghast5000.deviantart.com/art/RIP-Anthony-Palermo-Jr-161897363
A very moving post, Anthony. So glad you're back--I missed you! free memorial pages