Richard Thomas Palo

Beloved Husband

And Father

Richard Thomas Palo, 57, of Newtown, retired director of the Occupational Safety and Health for the CONN-OSHA Division, died unexpectedly May 12, after a brief battle with cancer. Born in Bridgeport, he was the son of John and Irene Sterback Palo, and was a Newtown resident for 30 years.

Mr Palo graduated from Trumbull High School, achieved a bachelor of science from the University of Bridgeport, and a master’s in health science from Quinnipiac University. He was also a Certified Industrial Hygienist. He was formerly the president of the Connecticut Safety Society, Inc, and was recently awarded an On-Site Consultation Achievement Recognition Award (OSCAR). Mr Palo was also a member of the Board of Occupational Safety and Health State Plan Association (OSHPA), the Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency (CIRMA), and was a board certified member of the AIHA. He worked for General Electric for ten years prior to his career at CONN-OSHA, which spanned 23 years, the last seven of which he served as the director.

An avid sports fan, he always supported his children by volunteering with Newtown youth teams.

Mr Palo is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly Marie Gierzadowicz Palo; his children, Todd A. of New York City, Kyle A. of Newtown, and Meridith A. of the USCGA; his nightly companion, Sadie Palo; a brother, David Palo of Long Island, N.Y.; and a sister-in-law, Noreen Rooney and her husband, James, and their children of Easton.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St Rose of Lima Church, May 19. Interment followed in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull.

Memorial contributions may be made to Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Attn: Steven B. DiCarlo, 330 Cedar Street TMP430A, New Haven CT 06520.

The Newtown Bee        May 22, 2009