Ronald Palumbo Obituary

Ronald J. Palumbo
Born: June 11, 1968 in Sterling, IL
Died: December 26, 2023 in Sterling, IL
Ronald J. Palumbo, 55, of Sterling, Illinois passed away on December 26th 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. Ron was born on June 11th 1968 in Sterling, the son of Frank and Donna (Cox) Palumbo. He graduated from Sterling High School in 1986 and then served in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne from 1986-1991. Ron married his high school sweetheart, Suzanne (Linton) Palumbo, on July 31st 1993. They recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary with their friends and family. After graduating from the University of Illinois Springfield, he began his law enforcement career with the Dixon Police Department. He later went on to become a Conservation Police Officer with the state of Illinois for 21 years. After a rewarding career, he retired in 2020. Conservation wasn't just his job, but his lifestyle. Ron was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting, fishing, and training his gundogs on their 75 acre farm. He loved to travel and always looked forward to their yearly family trip to Ft. Myers, FL.
Ron shared his passion for the outdoors with his oldest daughter, Emily. They enjoyed spending time together in a hunting blind, fishing and target shooting. Ron and his youngest daughter, Elizabeth, shared their love for softball. Elizabeth inherited his competitiveness and determination to be successful in her sport. Ron has traveled to and from many states never missing a game and will always be her number one fan.
Ron is survived by his wife Suzanne Palumbo, daughters Emily and Elizabeth Palumbo of Sterling, father Frank Palumbo of Sterling, brothers Tim (Ann) Palumbo of Elmhurst, and Rick Palumbo of Sterling, his mother-in-law Donna Linton of Sterling, two brothers-in-law Rodney Linton of Sterling and Craig (Tammy Saenz) Linton of Rock Falls, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his mother Donna (Cox) Palumbo, father-in-law Larry Linton, and his hunting dogs Sarge, Lemon, Girth, Gunner, Josie, and Hoss.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 31, 2023 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at Abiding Word Church in Sterling. The funeral will follow at 3:00 PM with Rev. Dr. Scott Porter officiating. Burial with military honors will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, or Ducks Unlimited.
Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.