John Michael Palombo was born on July 23, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio. He passed away in Austin, Texas surrounded by family and his beloved dogs on December 27, 2024, after battling cancer for eight months.

Survived by spouse:  Susan Grant Palombo; children:  Nicholas Faustino Palombo (Tzong Lee Palombo), Michael Grant Palombo, Megan Elizabeth Palombo, sister and brother-in-law; Cindy Grant Roberts and Charles Clay Roberts III, sister-in-law:  Kari Grant, step-mother-in law:  Kay Galloway Grant, nieces, and nephews:  Jennifer Roberts, Chuck Roberts (Jessica), Beau Grant (McKenna), Vanessa Smith Hirt (Jon), Brittany Smith Greenwood (Benjamin), grand nephews: Louie Roberts, Fletcher Roberts, Rosie Hirt, and step-siblings:  Alden Yeary McDonald (Mike) and Bart Yeary (Diana).

Preceded in death by parents:  John Palombo and Lillian D'Imperio Palombo Pistillo, father-in-law:  Louis W. Grant, Jr. (Bud), mother-in-law:  Mary Grosclaude Grant, and brother-in-law:  Louis W. Grant III (Buzz).

John went to Garfield Heights High School in Garfield Heights, OH, and graduated from John Carroll University. John's early career began in sales, marketing, and incentive travel. He traveled the world working for Dr. Pepper developing and running incentive travel for bottlers. He also co-owned and managed an ad agency with his wife Susan named Grant & Palombo. He then went to work for a financial services client and worked in that sector for the remainder of his career—in both institutional investments and private wealth management, where he worked for over 25 years. He retired from Robert W Baird in 2022. Throughout his career, he lived in six different major cities in the United States.

John was passionate about many things, including spending time with his family, traveling, gardening, grilling, painting, cooking Italian food, fishing and boating on Lake Minnetonka. While growing up, John played baseball and had many colorful stories about being a catcher. As an adult, he continued his passion as a Minnesota Twins fan and teaching his kids to play ball.  He was passionate about sharing financial literacy and education with countless others as a teacher, advisor, and mentor. John was renowned in the financial services industry, serving hundreds of clients and receiving numerous awards.

John and Susan married in 1983 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They celebrated 41 wonderful years of marriage together in Dallas, Texas; Wayzata, Minnesota; and Austin, Texas. They raised three children together and instilled in them a sense of achievement, humor, and courage.

He was diagnosed with bladder cancer in May of 2024. He remained hopeful and fought hard as he underwent treatments and additional diagnoses. John was brave, optimistic, resilient, and determined to beat cancer until the very end. He kept all of this close to his vest as he held out for good news to share.

All knew John as a man of courage, accountability, and compassion. He was a kind and thoughtful person who was considerate of others. He will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School to support cancer research. A private family memorial service will be held to celebrate John's incredible life.