Patrick Stephen Palazzo

Patrick Stephen Palazzo of Halethorpe, Maryland, our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 14, after a valiant 2 and 1/2 year battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). His loving family and girlfriend were by his side as he peacefully took the Lord’s hand and entered His comforting embrace.

Patrick was born to Lisa and Steve Palazzo on March 2, 1997. He attended Monsignor Slade Catholic School from kindergarten through 8th grade, graduated from Archbishop Curley High School in 2015, and obtained his Associate’s degree from the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC). He was then pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Technology Administration at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) when he was diagnosed with leukemia in December of 2018.

Growing up, Patrick was very athletic. He loved BMX biking, skateboarding, camping, and fishing. He played county and CYO soccer, basketball, and baseball with Monsignor Slade as well as the Glen Burnie and Arbutus clusters.  In high school, he ran cross country and indoor track. In addition to sports, Patrick also played trumpet in the Monsignor Slade bands as well as the Archbishop Curley concert and jazz bands.

Always involved with the church, Patrick was an altar server from elementary through high school at Holy Trinity (now Christ the King). In his teen years, he joined the youth group and became an integral part of many programs such as Vacation Bible School (VBS) and confirmation preparation.  He attended many retreats and conferences (HOBY, Hi-Li, and BYCC), where he not only deepened his faith, but used his outgoing personality to give the activities and skits at these meetings his own special flare.

Patrick was an avid Orioles fan and attended games whenever possible with his friends and family, as he especially loved getting those free promotional giveaways.  While inpatient, he was privileged to video chat with Orioles prospect Adley Rutschman and was so anxious to see him play.

Patrick absolutely loved vacationing at the beach in Ocean City, Maryland each summer, while spending time with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. If he wasn’t jumping the waves, boogie boarding, playing games or building castles on the sand, he might be sipping on lemonade and eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He was often one of the first ones up carrying chairs, blankets and umbrellas to set up a prime spot for everyone to enjoy. In those early morning, pre-lifeguard moments, you might catch him sneaking in a little skim boarding action, and although it made mom a bit nervous, he was a natural. Of course these beach vacations also often included crabs, cruising the boardwalk, playing dominoes with Mom-mom and Pop-pop and late night trips to get some ‘mo mango’ at Ocean Bites.

Patrick had such a zest for life. His infectious smile, boundless energy and enthusiasm brought happiness to everyone he met, and he was always on the go. He loved driving his little silver bullet Hyundai, often all over creation - be that to work, school, concerts in neighboring states, friends’ houses, or even off hunting down deals on fireworks, which kept mom and dad on their toes as to where he was at any given time, since for some reason, his Life 360 app didn’t work so well on his fancy iPhone!

Patrick lit up a room and truly loved making people laugh, although if things got a little crazy he might tell you to “calm down.” He loved everything Pokémon - collecting Pokémon cards, playing Pokémon Go, battling in raids, and finding ‘shinies’ on Community Days.

Music was so important in Patrick’s life. We’d often see him with AirPods in his ears as he listened to his favorites: 21 Pilots, Justin Bieber and Post Malone, not to mention the sweetest sound of all to him - that of Kari’s voice during their late night phone calls. He loved having the newest technological gadgets, often sparking interest from his Pop-pop to get on Amazon quickly and order the same thing so he could keep up with Patrick!

Patrick was definitely a people person, and was loved by so many. He was happiest being around and working with people, which lead him to a series of jobs as a server, first at Buffalo Wild Wings at Arundel Mills, and more recently at Texas Roadhouse in Columbia, where he met his girlfriend, Kari, the love of his life. They planned to be married and travel the world, and then open his own brewery and have sweet little red-headed children together.

He enjoyed life to the fullest and always gave everything 150%, Patrick never did anything half way. He was incredibly positive in his outlook, even during his lengthy illness. He had a strong faith and prayed quietly and often, including reciting the rosary with the family. He kept his hope alive and was always encouraged by the unceasing prayers of family and friends. The Johns Hopkins nurses and staff became like a second family to him, and he was very thankful for their care and concern. It was no secret that he was a favorite, as the nurses would tell us they’d fight over who got to take care of him each day.

Life will be forever changed without the earthly presence of our sweet Patrick, but we know we are all better for having had him in our lives. He always made the best of everything, and he made everything better. Now he will be our little St. Pat!

Patrick is survived by his parents Steve and Lisa Palazzo; his brother Nicholas, and his sisters Alyssa and Michaela. He also leaves his maternal grandparents, Dave and Barbara Taylor of Centreville, Maryland, and his paternal grandfather, Raymond Palazzo of Laurel, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Carolyn Palazzo. He is also survived by his devoted girlfriend, Kari Knepp of Airville, Pennsylvania, and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and a plethora of friends.

In lieu of flowers, the Palazzo family asks that you consider donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Additionally, as Patrick was helped by so many with countless red blood cell and platelet donations, please give the gift of life, and consider donating blood as often as possible.