Deborah Palmisano

Deborah "Deb" Palmisano, 72, of Crystal Lake, IL, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on Monday afternoon, June 29, 2026.

Born in September of 1953 in Chicago, IL, to the late Walter and Olga (nee Pasquini) Ray, Deborah was raised in Elmwood Park, where she attended John Mills Elementary, and later, Elmwood Park High School. It was there that she met the absolute love of her life, the late August "Gus" Palmisano. The high school sweethearts were married in September of 1970 and went on to share 53 beautiful years of marriage until Gus's passing in April 2024.

Deborah was raised in a large Italian-American household with plenty of loud, boisterous activity. She loved to tell stories about growing up in “that crazy house” with so many people under one roof. This is likely where Deborah’s love and devotion to family began, as she was surrounded by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family and friends who constantly cared for and attended to her. She often told stories about working at her Grandfather’s Italian store, Pasquini Brothers, and about experiencing the delicious cooking and preparation of fine Italian food and meats both there and at home. During her childhood years, Deborah often played the organ alongside her mother, Olga. Growing up, she enjoyed the constant love and attention in a very busy, devoted, family-centered household.

After her marriage to Gus in September of 1970, Deb quickly found her calling and role as a wife and mother, raising 4 children at a very young age. With 3 sons and 1 daughter, there was never a dull moment. During those early years, Deborah worked and volunteered as a den mother for her son’s Boy Scout troop. Those first years of parenting were often filled with lots of sports, activities, and occasional family outings. During the summers, Deb and her family often enjoyed camping in Edgerton, WI, with the extended Palmisano family in tow. Deb enjoyed family activities involving board games, card games, and, in particular, trivia, in which she often excelled.

In 1991, Deb and Gus moved from their urban neighborhood of Elmwood Park to the city of Crystal Lake. Shortly thereafter, the era of the grandchildren began, where Deb really embraced her new role as a grandmother. Deb took her role as “Nana” very seriously, and she protected and loved her grandchildren like a momma bear her cubs. She would give them the shirt off her back in a heartbeat. She was often heard joking and referencing herself as “crazy Nana” and as “spoiling her grandchildren”. During these years, she poured herself into keeping her home a welcome, warm place for her children and grandchildren. Deb fulfilled her role as “Nana” with much love and joy. Together, Deb and Gus were inseparable while they passionately poured themselves into their role as grandparents.

Deborah was widely known for her uniquely humorous outlook on life, which was always accompanied by a hearty laugh and a warm smile. She truly loved a good conversation, frequently spending time with family and friends and discussing shared interests; she often eagerly offered her own experiences and perspectives with joy and laughter. An avid researcher, Deborah possessed an ambitious drive to dive deep into a wide range of topics, with a particular passion for medical science and genealogy. Deb loved her coffee and was always up for a coffee run when given the opportunity. She also loved to talk about movies and her favorite actors. Her warm, engaging personality also shone brightly during her long career at Home Depot, where she made lasting friendships with countless colleagues and customers alike. Her closest friends often commented on her quick wit and sense of humor, as well as her ability to turn almost any situation into something funny, making everyone around her laugh heartily.

In addition to her parents, Walter and Olga Ray, Deb was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Terry.

Her legacy lives on through her devoted family. Deborah is survived by her sister, Coby (late Peter); her loving children, Terry (Christy), Steve (Julie), Michele (Josh), and Joe; and her cherished grandchildren, Keura (Tony), Nicholas, Kevin, Sierra (Chandler), Steven, Joseph, Luke, Adriana, Connor, Zachary, Luca, and Josephina; with an eagerly anticipated great-granddaughter on the way. She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who loved her dearly. She will be forever cherished and deeply missed by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 3 PM until 8 PM at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E Terra Cotta Ave, (Rt. 176), Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Visitation will continue the following day, Monday, July 13, 2026 from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11 AM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. www.stjude.org/donate