Eric Charles Palazolo

Eric Charles Palazolo, a 52-year-old resident of Moore Haven, Florida, and former resident of Pine Bush, New York, was discovered deceased on September 5, 2024, following a six-week search after he went missing from his home on July 30, 2024. A long and thorough investigation revealed that Eric's life was tragically cut short while he was out enjoying one of his favorite pastimes, bike riding. Born on August 10, 1972, at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, Eric was adopted at the age of four from Kingston, New York, and raised in Pine Bush, NY, a place he always considered home. Prior to an accident in his early twenties that severely injured both arms, Eric worked as a farmer in Pine Bush. He moved to Moore Haven, Florida in 2002 to care for his grandfather after his grandmother's unexpected passing. Eric had a deep passion for the outdoors, enjoying activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, magnet fishing, photography, and exploration in various settings including woods, rail trails, lakes, and swamps. Beyond his love for nature, Eric was a voracious learner and history enthusiast, devouring books and eagerly sharing his newfound knowledge with friends. Eric's life was marked by hardship and challenges, yet he consistently maintained a positive attitude and outlook. Known for his kindness and generosity, Eric was always willing to lend a hand to those in need, especially to those he held dear. He was a devout Christian and an active member of the Christian Church of Moore Haven. Eric's passing leaves behind a loving family, including his dear sisters Charlene (Kenny) McKnight and Michele Palazolo, his cherished niece Aubrey McKnight, his adoptive father Joseph Palmer, and Pat and Jim Finn who were like parents to him and whom he referred to as “the two most loving and consistent people in my entire life”. He is also survived by his lifelong best friends Mike Finn and Mike Blazeski, his best girls Jenny Moran and Karie Boniface, and dear cousins Mark, Kathleen, Amber, Klaus, and Annette Januschewski, as well as numerous other cousins. Additionally, Eric leaves behind his church community and many friends who became like family to him. Eric was predeceased by his Nanny and Poppy, Marion and Charles Youngs of Pine Bush, NY and Moore Haven, FL. He will return to Pine Bush, NY, for his final rest where a memorial service will be held to honor his life on Saturday October 12, 2024 from 12-2pm at DeWitt-Martinez Funeral Home 64 Center St. Pine Bush, NY 12566. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to those who contributed to the Gofundme campaign and participated in the search for Eric. We also express our deepest appreciation to Bernie Moran and Mike Zwart as well as the Glades County Sheriff's Department, in particular Sergeant Ryan Okupski, for their tireless efforts and commitment in locating Eric. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made towards establishing a memorial plaque on the Rosendale Trestle of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail in Eric's honor, with contributions to be sent to: Wallkill Valley Land Trust P.O. Box 208 New Paltz, NY 12561 *Put Eric Palazolo on check

Eric Charles Palazolo

August 10, 1972 - September 5, 2024