To fully appreciate what the late Frank Palumbo meant to the Town of Bristol, would take a lot more time and space than what you observe here. There are several areas of note, starting with his beloved Bristol Fire Department in general, and the Defiance Hose Co. No. 1, in particular.

Frank L. Palumbo passed from this world on May 24th at the ripe old age of 94. At the time, he was the oldest living member of the Bristol Volunteer Fire Dept., an honor he carried proudly with him no matter where he went. And, he wasn’t alone.

Longtime fellow firefighter and good friend Paul Vollaro said Frank was one in a million.

“Frank was captain for one year and accomplished quite a bit in Defiance history,” he noted. “I am one of only a very few who actually knew Frank…most of the membership today really have no clue who he was.”

But for those who knew this soft-spoken son of Bristol, Frank Palumbo will long be remembered for his love of the fire department, his love of athletics, especially all those years he watched softball on the Bristol Town Common during the sport’s heyday.

Frank’s love of family always came first. When he lost the love of his life, Mary “Margie” (Castro) Palumbo, on Christmas Eve in 2014, things were never quite the same again. Margie was his whole world, along with his sons, Gary and Bruce Palumbo, and the grand kids and great-grand kids that followed.

Margie was a feisty lady, who loved her husband to no end. She also had a passion for photography, and it showed in the many photos she would share with friends. And, each and every time, Frank was right alongside her recording local events. “My wife just loves that camera,” said Frank.
On occasion, this writer would spend time with Frank at the Crestwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Warren. He would always have a big smile on his face with folks he recognized. He loved being around people.

A proud member of the Defiance Hose Co. No. 1 for 70 years and a life member, he joined the company in 1955 and quickly rose through the ranks. He was elected 2nd Lieutenant in 1963, 1st Lt. in 1964, and Captain in 1965. In April 1965, recognizing the value of long-standing dedication, Capt. Palumbo proposed a policy granting automatic life membership to members upon reaching 25 years of service. That same year, he introduced a training program focused on general firefighting and pump operation.

In June of that year, he and fellow member John Velleca acquired an old military Dodge Power Wagon named “Rough Rider” so they could go over the railroad tracks off of Poppasquash Road and fight fires.
“One of my fondest memories of Pop was dancing with him on my wedding day. For a big guy, he was really light on his feet and an excellent dancer,” said daughter-in-law Mary Lou Palumbo. “We glided all over the dance floor. I always remember Pop as a hard worker. He worked at Smiths/Converse and then would come home, have dinner, and go pump gas at the Texaco station on Metacom Ave. owned by his brother-in-law, Pee Wee Amaral.

“Gary, Bruce and I learned a lot about Pop at his funeral....especially after hearing his eulogy given by David Benevides. We had no idea that Pop had been with the fire department for 70 years, served as captain, and as captain was instrumental in starting new policies that are still in effect today. Pop also loved to watch his sons play softball at the Town Common and Colt State park. He rarely missed a game, proudly taking his place with other proud fathers and diehard fans.”

Frank Palumbo embodied what a firefighter is all about. He was as dedicated as anyone in the fire department, past or present. He will be dearly missed.