Pamela Marie Palmieri

July 17, 1967 - March 30, 2020

Pamela Marie Palmieri “The Rainbow on a Cloudy Day” Pamela Marie Palmieri, 52, passed into eternal rest on Monday, March 30, 2020 at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair. Born on July 17, 1967 in Belleville and lived most of her life in Fairfield, NJ. Pamela graduated from New Providence High School and was a long-time employee at the West Essex Rehabilitation Center in Montclair. She was a Girl Scout, a cheerleader, a gymnast, and a dancer. She was also active in programs run by the ARC of Essex County - library, swimming, camps, and dances. Pam was a proud participant in the Special Olympics. In her younger years, Pam could be seen riding her blue bike with the white basket up and down her street, until she got brave and rode away for a little too long, at which time her mom had to take the air out of the tires. That did not stop her from shooting hoops in the next-door neighbor’s driveway or having a swimming contest in her backyard pool, challenging her sisters to a swimming race, which she always won. When the weather kept her indoors, she enjoyed games, I Love Lucy, The Monkees, and knitting. Wrapped in one of her hand-knitted blankets, a baby was always content in Pam’s arms. Known for her independent spirit, her passion for dancing, her talent for bowling, and her fondness for white wine, Pam loved a party. Birthdays were especially important to her. Upon meeting her for the first time, she would tell you her birthday and commit yours to memory. For Pam, nothing could be better than a whole day to celebrate someone with cake and music. Those in attendance at a birthday party with Pam were always treated to a professional sign-language interpretation of the birthday song. Pammy made our world a brighter place. She was the rainbow on a cloudy day. She showed us the meaning of patience, acceptance, ability, and unconditional love. We are all better people because of her. She is welcomed into heaven by the loving arms of her mother, Corinne Palmieri (nee McDonald). She is survived by her devoted father, Joseph Palmieri, who brought her joy on their travels to Florida; sister, Cindy Hobson McNutt, with whom she shared her flair for accessorizing, and husband Paul; sister, Alison Skapinetz and husband Brett, who gladly served her apple pie a la mode on Sundays; nephews, Joseph Skapinetz and Jack Skapinetz, who were always “too loud” but made up for it with big hugs; niece, Corinne McNutt whom she taught to never give up; godmother Arlene Schmidig, who was always there to listen; uncle Ken and aunt Nancy McDonald, who were her kitchen companions and travel partner; caring cousins, especially Ernie Schmidig and Dorothy Fensterstock; and aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, and friends whom she always welcomed with a warm hug. Pamela never married, but gleefully shared the dance floor with the late John Manna. A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The ARC of Essex County. 123 Naylon Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039 All services are private with the Ippolito-Stellato Funeral Home, 7 Two Bridges Road, Fairfield. Entombment at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Montclair, NJ. Send condolences to stellatofuneralhomes.com