Samuel F. Palumbo, Jr. passed away at his home in Bluffton, SC, on July 10, 2023. Recently retired to Bluffton, he lived most of his life in Warwick, Rhode Island. He is preceded in death by his father, Samuel, and his mother, Clara, and survived by his beloved wife, Barbara (Clegg), with whom he had just celebrated his 57th anniversary.
As a young boy he helped his father grow flowers in the family nursery business. While in high school he developed an appreciation for classic cars that would remain with him throughout his life--always tinkering under the hood of an old Ford or Chevy. Surpassing his appreciation for classic cars were his uproarious games of High Low Jack that he played with his late brother and sister, Joe Castro and Marie LaSalandra, and family.
Sam one day altered his career path by taking a job manufacturing windows for Ford Products Company. Hard work and ambition eventually led him to become owner of the company.
Yet later in life he returned to the nursery business, this time with his two sons, Dean and David, to run Airport Nursery. Customers often joked that the plants flowed through Farmer Sam's blood, keeping him young.
He was a private man who rarely exposed his heart, but one Thanksgiving, with his family around the dinner table, he tearfully stood with his glass to toast the happiness that filled him working with his family in the nursery business.
Rest in peace, husband...Dad...Grampa. We will meet again.
Sam's cremains will be laid to rest in the Gates of Heaven Cemetery in East Providence, RI.
