ARLENE FRANCIS PALAZZOLO

Briarcliff Manor - Arlene Francis Palazzolo passed away at her home in Briarcliff Manor on May 7, 2026. She was in good care and with her devoted husband of 55 years, Frank.

Arlene was born in St. Mary's Hospital in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY on October 11, 1945, the third child of immigrants, Michael Joseph Francis and Mary Josephine Hardiman, from Galway County, Ireland. Arlene graduated from St. Joseph's Elementary school (1959) followed by Angela Hall Academy (1963). She earned her B.A. from St. Joseph's College in Brooklyn (1967) with a major in Early Childhood and minor in History. She subsequently earned her Master's Degree in Education from Fordham University (1970), the first in her family to attend college/graduate school. Arlene and Frank were married on October 17, 1970 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Brooklyn, NY and later settled in Briarcliff Manor, NY in 1976.

A tireless educator and education advocate, Arlene was a "teacher's teacher" teaching Head Start then first grade at P.S. 345 for twelve years in East New York, Brooklyn under Dr. Margaret Dixon, Principal. While raising her daughters, Erin and Arlene, she frequented daily Mass at St. Theresa's Church and served as a Special Education Advocate for families in Briarcliff Public Schools. Arlene's passions included education, family life, sharing her faith, politics, nightly Jeopardy, shopping and playing the lotto. Her compassionate outreach and generosity through countless notes, cards and gifts was not to be outdone. Her friends are near and dear, far and many.

She is survived by her husband, Frank B. Palazzolo, Jr. and daughters, Erin (Joseph) of Brookline, MA and Arlene (Damion) of Mahopac, NY as well as her grandchildren, Helen, Michael, Clare and Matthew. Arlene is also survived by her sister, Joan Kelly and family. She was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Mary Francis; sister, Marie Dunn and brother-in-law, Francis X. Dunn; and brother-in-law, Graham G. (Jerry) Kelly.

We are especially grateful to Helena, Lily and Claudette, her at-home caregivers, in the last years of Arlene's life.

The visitation will be on Friday, May 15 at 8:00 AM, followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 AM at St. Theresa's Church in Briarcliff Manor.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a small donation to St. Anthony's Bread (Franciscan Mission Associates) or Wounded Warriors Family Support.