Obituary
Ernesto “Ernie” Palmacci, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, award-winning wood carver, and life-long Somerville, MA resident, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on January 7, 2024, after a brief and noble battle with cancer at the age of 86
Born in Somerville, MA, he was the beloved husband of Patricia (Bears) Palmacci for nearly 67 years and the son of the late Elisa (D’Onofrio) Palmacci and Ernesto Palmacci. He was the adored little brother to the late Libero “Libby” Palmacci, Araldo “Tarzan” Palmacci, Almicere (Charles) Palmacci, and Iride “Edie” Boeri. He is survived by his brother Gino Palmacci of Belmont, MA, and his children: Ernesto Palmacci, Jr. and his wife Brenda of Groton, MA, Steven Palmacci and his wife Eugenia of Melrose, MA, Lisa Palmacci of Woburn, MA and John Palmacci of Ogunquit, ME. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Nicholas, Lauren, Lia, Don, Francesca, Steven Jr, and Jack as well as his great-grandchildren, Anthony, Jake, Ava, and Robert Williams, Jr. as well as his surviving niece and nephews.
Ernie was a skilled self-taught craftsman of many trades and used them to perfection in his proud home of over 50 years as well as various projects for his family.
Over the years, his career included work for Granite Research, Skil Power Tools, Parkwood of New England, and Compass Flooring. He was also a master of dad jokes, devoted Patriots fan, avid fisherman, and a skilled artist. He discovered he had a talent for wood carving close to when he retired and went on to win multiple blue ribbons and honors including the Ward World Competition Best in Songbird Category in 2016. He took such pride in his beautifully realistic bird creations of which he happily spent numerous hours ensuring he made exacting details come to life in wood. He was a real family man, dedicated husband, and an excellent role model for his children. He was always willing to help at the drop of a hat. He befriended many neighbors over the years and his warm personality and genuine interest in others, led to him being known as the “Mayor of Bay State Ave.” He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Calling Hours will be held on Friday, January 12th in the George L. Doherty Funeral Home 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) from 4:00PM to 7:00PM.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
A prayer service will be held privately.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in Ernie’s name to The American Cancer Society or Massachusetts Audubon Society