CATHERINE DARO PALERMO
CATHERINE DARO PALERMO, 87, passed away on February 7, 2021 at her home, surrounded by family. She was born on April 8, 1933 in League City, TX as the middle child of Pete and Carolina Daro.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Don Paul Palermo of 58 years, and older brother, Johnnie Pete Daro.
She is survived by her three children: Franklin Palermo (Lois), Diane Palermo Mock, and Steven Palermo (Lisa). She is also survived by five grandchildren: Scott Palermo (Candice), Anthony Mock (Chassity), Danielle Aycock (Cody), Rachel Palermo, Sarah Palermo, great grandson Caiden Palermo, and sister Margaret Daro Bilotta.
Catherine was born in the United States, but moved with her family at a very young age to their homeland in Cercenasco, Italy. After a couple years, she and her family returned to the United States and settled back in League City to operate Daro Farms. The last 20 years of farming, she enjoyed cantaloupe and watermelon season and selling them at their farm on Highway 3. She only spoke Italian when she entered grade school, and then learned English as her second language. She graduated at Webster High School in Webster, TX as the class valedictorian.
Catherine’s professional career began as a bookkeeper at Birsner and Birsner Accounting Services and then later as business manager of The Exchange Newspaper in Clear Lake City, TX. When the newspaper sold, she became self-employed as an accountant and IRS tax specialist. She managed businesses and financial investments for multiple clients and prepared hundreds of income taxes for small businesses, corporations, and individuals prior to her passing.
During Catherine’s many years of working, she was actively involved in local politics. She was elected to 7 terms on city council in League City and served as mayor pro-tem. She was instrumental in building new parks and park renovations, increased funding for police, enhanced 911 services for the community, attracting small businesses to the city, and building of the South Shore Harbour Hotel and the South Shore Harbour master-planned community. In addition to serving 7 terms on city council, she was a member of the Houston-Galveston Area Council, the League City Historical and Planning Society, the League City Ambulance/EMS board, and bank director at Dickinson State Bank.
Catherine was very religious and rich in faith. She was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in League City. She was a lector for many years and involved or led multiple church committees (including their building committee) and church bazaars.
Catherine was a loving and caring family woman. She valued family gatherings and cooked enormous amounts of food for mealtime, holidays, and other occasions. Nobody entered her home without being offered food or drink, and she was persistent. She was the guiding leader of events and family affairs, good and bad. She was consulted by many for medical and financial advice and any other family needs. She put her family first in everything she did. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
SERVICE INFORMATION HAS CHANGED************
The Family will receive friends on Sunday, February 21, 2021 from 4-6:00pm at Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 East Main, League City, Texas 77573. A Rosary will be held on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 12:00pm with a Mass following at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1612 East Walker, League City, Texas 77573. Interment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Dickinson, TX.
For those unable to attend in person, a video of the service will be available. The streaming link for the Ceremony will be updated on this page by 12:00pm on Friday, February 19, 2021.
Due to COVID 19, the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston requires all visitors to wear a mask and maintain a social distance from attendees. Maximum occupancy is 325 guests. Upon entering the Church, attendees will be kindly asked to enter the church and be seated. Please maintain a social distance during the processional, recessional and while seated in the church. Your assistance during this difficult time is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
A Guest Book will be limited and we invite you to leave your condolence below.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church Live Mass Link:
https://youtu.be/SaDsCBIlzyk
Aunt Catherine was a driving force within her family.
She always greeted you with a warm smile and had a
Wonderful personality. She handled business for her family
And gave advice to those who inquired. She will be very
Much misssed. Prayers for Franklin, Diane and Stephen
And their families. God Bless y’all 🙏❤️
I am going to miss my friend, Catherine. She and her husband, Don were favorites of my husband, Frank and me. Serving with her on City Council was a privilege. She was an instruction manual on real life issues, mostly because she had either seen it all or experienced it herself. She was generous with her time with anyone who needed help. We spent many April 15 days playing in Galveston so she could get away from that tax deadline. I asked her to read at the funeral masses for my son and husband. She and Margaret prepared huge platters of Italian food for John’s funeral. Catherine worked with EMS when John was Chief to make it the best it could be. Whatever she touched, she improved. She deserves to rest in peace and be with Don and Johnny and George and those of us left behind will carry her memory with us always.
What an amazing and respected woman Aunt Catherine has been to all who knew her. Many young ladies should model themselves after her! She is safe in the arms of Jesus now. I know your hearts are missing her already. We love you and will keep you in prayer. Eternal rest grant unto Catherine, Oh Lord, and let light PERPETUAL shine upon her.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
With love, admiration, and respect,
Michael Joe and Becky Palermo
My wonderful Aunt Catherine; really a 2nd mom to us “Bilotta Girls”. Frank, Diane and Steven are more like siblings than cousins. There are no words to describe what she meant to me. She was larger than life, the matriarch, and we always knew that anything that came our family’s way was going to be ok because she, along with my mom, Margaret Bilotta, would take care of all of us. I hope she always knew how much we loved her.
Diane,
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Tony Palazzo and family
I am glad and honored to have known Cathrine for as long as I have. Prayers and
Condolences to all of her families. God be with you all .
I am so happy to have had the privilege of working for Catherine on the food serving line at our church bazaar. She was a wonderful person to work with and to get to know. I admired her very much. She always had sound advice and great stories to tell. Enjoyed her company very much.
May her soul rest in the peace of Christ.