James J. Palmeroni, Sr.

James J. Palmeroni, Sr., 75, of Little Falls, New York (Town of Fairfield), passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 in the comfort of his own home. He was surrounded by the love and support of his wife and family by his side. 

He was born on January 1, 1951 in Rochester, New York and was the son of the late, Fernando and Anna Marie (Zambito) Palmeroni. James grew up in the Rochester area and graduated from Gates-Chili High School with the Class of 1969.

Shortly after graduation, James enlisted in the United States Air Force on February 25, 1970. He was stationed at several Air Force bases around the world during his service time including the Vietnam War Era. While enlisted, James earned the following awards, Air Force Good Conduct Medal w/2 BR OLC, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon w/1 Br OLD, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. After over ten years of service, he was honorably discharged as a Staff Sargent on October 10, 1980.

On February 25, 1982, James was united in marriage to Elizabeth J. Roades, in Gates, New York. The couple have been married for nearly 44 years.

In earlier years, James enjoyed hunting, fishing, using hand-held radios, and photography. At one time, he had his own woodworking and gun shops. He was a member of the Herkimer VFW, the American Legion and a proud veteran of the Vietnam War Era.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Palmeroni at home; his children, Sherry Palmeroni and her fiancée, Kelly and Sharon Palmeroni, both of Kansas, James J. Palmeroni, Jr. of Fairfield, NY, Katie Monroe and her husband, Dave of Arizona; step-daughters, Elizabeth Axley of Stockton, CA, Donna Messina and her husband, Mike of Little Falls, NY and Stephanie Lamphere and her husband, Craig of Salisbury, NY; 20 grandchildren in New York, Kansas, Arizona and California; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Fred Palmeroni, Ralph Palmeroni, Tom Palmeroni (Donna); sister, Ann Marie Popham (Scott); sister-in-law, Lea Avent of CA; brother-in-law, Brian Roades (Julie) of WA; many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

James was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, in-laws, aunts, uncles, a nephew, cousins; and several in-laws.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 1 p.m. at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 2461 Lake Avenue, Rochester, New York 14612 with Father Ring officiating. The United States Air Force Honor Guard will accord James his funeral honors. All are welcome to attend. 

The family is being cared for by locally owned and family operated, Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329.

The Palmeroni Family would like to thank the Rome VA Home Health Care Team and Hospice and Palliative Care of Oneida, Herkimer and Madison Counties for their care for James over the last few years.

Please consider memorial contributions in lieu of flowers for the Wounded Warrior Project and visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org to donate in James' memory.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Palmeroni Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for his online memory book.

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