Michael “Buggy” Palmitessa

 

Michael “Buggy” A. Palmitessa, 68, of Scranton, passed Thursday 11/27/25 in the comfort of his home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Irene Palmitessa, and sister in law Wendy Beth Daquino Olek. Surviving him is his devoted and loving wife, Ruth Ann (Daquino) Palmitessa, as well as siblings Paul, Carol, Victoria, Dominic, Rose,Robert, Joseph, Michele, Julie, Jamie, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.  Buggy retired from 28 years at Scranton Housing Authority. He had a great love for people and was known fondly throughout the community. He had a true passion for fitness and prioritized his health throughout life, including a history of competitive weightlifting. Buggy traveled to Italy several times to take in the culture with his family abroad. When not at work or helping those he loved, he could be found building birdhouses and gardening with great niece and great nephew Vitaly Marie Olek and Michael John Olek.  His wife Ruth, along with sisters Michele and Julie were his caregivers in his final days providing comfort to him. Ruth would like to extend her heartfelt thanks to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, especially Justin for the great care and comfort that was provided. A mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, December 4th at 10:00am in St. Ann’s Basilica, 1233 St. Ann’s Street, Scranton, Pa. Inurnment private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home. Through his work at the Scranton Housing Authority, Buggy found joy in fixing and gifting bicycles to the children of the community. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Anthracite Bicycle Coalition. 213 Railroad Avenue Scranton Pennsylvania, 18505 c/o Lackawanna Heritage Valley

Visitation

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Funeral Services

 
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Guestbook

 
 
 
Ron Collins

One of the most well respected individuals I have ever known. Rest in peace, my friend.

Marjorie McDermott

So sorry Ruthanne. He fought long and hard. Michael was one of those special people, and always enjoyed seeing him at Bethsnia and Carmannos. He will be missed.

Maria Ludovici

Sending prayers and condolences to the entire family. Mike was a great guy, he always had a kind word and a joke to go with it he will be dearly missed.

Jane E Ligon

I would like to give my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Buggy’s family. He was a loving husband and good person. May he Rest In Peace.

Penny McHale Dougher

Rest in peace, Buggy! Always a great guy.

Mark Leombruni

Buggy was a great guy. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Buckets

A good man and a true friend you will be missed many of laughs to be had up in heaven with Gars and others God Bless Bug

Jimmy and Carole Curran

Carole and I were saddened to hear of Michael’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most sorrowful time. May your cherished memories of him bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.

Ace Levandoski

very sorry and prayers for Buggy

STEVE TOOMEY

Ruth Ann and family..so sorry to hear about Buggy..lived real close to him growing up..many fun times to the shore..as teens..God bless him..you and your entire family .

STEVE TOOMEY

Ruth Ann and family..so sorry to hear about Buggy..lived real close to him growing up..many fun times to the shore..as teens..God bless him..you and your entire family .

Barb provini

Ruth I’m so sorry,Michael was a fighter and it’s a tough to go thru,now he can rest in peace,I will miss his phone calls. My prayers are with you.

Gary Gifford

So sorry, Mike was a great friend and excellent carpenter. He did lots of quality work at my home

Lou Maroni

Very Good friend of mine known him through both our Childhoods to present was a good man easy to talk toand get along with Will miss him dearly and the conversations we had over the years 🙏❤️🙏

Lou Maroni

Very Good friend of mine known him through both our Childhoods to present was a good man easy to talk toand get along with Will miss him dearly and the conversations we had over the years 🙏❤️🙏

Chuck Simon

Sorry to of Buggys passing. He was truly a good guy. Love and light to the family.

Linda Pirritano

Rest in peace 🙏

Gigi Spott

Ruth and Family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Buggy was always kind and generous and is a true loss to not just his family and friends but to the community, as well.

Joe Sulz

My heart felt condolences to Ruth Ann and the entire family. May he rest in peace.

Gary DiBileo

So sorry to hear about the loss of a great man. Buggy will be forever missed by many friends. He gave me rosary beads from one of his trips to Italy. Will always treasure them.

Marla Genova

My Deep Condolences to the Palmitessa family. Buggy was a great guy. I would see him now and Then,at Gerritys. So very Sorry for your loss. You are all in my Prayers 🙏🏼

George J Yescavage-Old Forge, Pa.

I knew Mike from 10x fitness. What a great guy. Always enjoyed our conversations and talking about fitness. He was looking forward to retirement. What a shame for it to end this way. In my prayers..

John P. Morris

I am so sorry for your loss. Buggy was a dear friend to me. He will be missed. John

Whisper and Paula Jurbala

Good bye my friend, Every time we ran into you at store or anywhere your smile and uplifting spirit brightened our day we miss you dearly

B. J. Stefanovich

Mike and I were ushers together for many years at St.Lucy's church. I had a great deal of respect for him personally and for how he conducted himself during his illness. Rest in peace.

Keke Thomas

Sorry to hear about Buggy. He was a great guy and a good friend of our family. We're going to miss him!

Laura Ludovici Salmons

Buggy was a great guy I knew since Kindergarten. He was such a wonderful friend and so much fun to be around. My sincere condolences to Ruth Ann & the entire family. He will be missed dearly. RIP my friend. ❤️🙏❤️

Laura Ludovici Salmons

Buggy was a great guy I knew since Kindergarten. He was such a wonderful friend and so much fun to be around. My sincere condolences to Ruth Ann & the entire family. He will be missed dearly. RIP my friend. ❤️🙏❤️

Jim Stefanovich

Went through school with Mike. Always a great guy used to see him at mass when he was an usher. Prayers for him and family.

Jim Stefanovich

Went through school with Mike. Always a great guy used to see him at mass when he was an usher. Prayers for him and family.

Pamela

A beautiful soul Gone Too Soon! My condolences to his entire family! May they find peace at this difficult time.

Theress Sweeney

Julie I’m so sorry to you and your family.🙏🙏

Anthony Petrillo

We are offering prayers for Mike, and we extend our deepest condolences as we also pray for all of the Palmitessa family. I pray Mike be escorted to heaven by all the angels and saints along with the Blessed Virgin Mary. and that the family is comforted in this most difficult time... O Lord let perpetual light shine upon him, may his soul through the mercy of God rest in peace! Sincerely, Anthony & Lori Petrillo & family.

Anthony Petrillo

We are offering prayers for Mike, and we extend our deepest condolences as we also pray for all of the Palmitessa family. I pray Mike be escorted to heaven by all the angels and saints along with the Blessed Virgin Mary. and that the family is comforted in this most difficult time... O Lord let perpetual light shine upon him, may his soul through the mercy of God rest in peace! Sincerely, Anthony & Lori Petrillo & family.

Gerard and Mary Ellen Morgan

Ohh Ruthie, we are so, so sorry for your loss. From high school sweethearts till now. Your one true love. Your in our thoughts and prayers. Please don't hesitate to reach out.

Pat Hawley

Sorry for your loss. Mike was a great guy that would do anything for you.

Kim and Steve mielo

Thoughts and prayers to the family he was a wonderful person

Jim Butera

Just saw that Michael has passed. My sincere condolences to Ruth and family. I only knew Michael a short time, but was impressed by his upbeat attitude, positive personality and being a very likable gentleman. I am truly sorry.