Robert Michael Palmieri

October 30, 1930 - November 17, 2017

Robert Michael Palmieri passed quietly in Bellingham, WA, on Friday, November 17th, with his wife and two of his children at his side. Born to Michael Palmieri and Nazzarena Marinelli of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he went on to study piano at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, the Eastman School of Music, the Milan Conservatory, and the Manhattan School of Music. He was a professor of piano at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, where he married his wife of 60 years, Margaret, an adjunct associate professor of voice in the university's music department. They raised their family of four children in Kent, taking them on many traveling adventures in the U.S. and Europe, including a 9-month period living in Milan, Italy. After retiring from teaching and performing, he and Marge moved to Bellingham in 1992. His love for the piano led him to write music and books of music research and reference, including "Piano Information Guide, An Aid to Research", "Sergei Vasil'evich Rachmaninoff, A Guide to Research", and "The Encyclopedia of The Piano" 1st and 2nd editions. He also was Editor in Chief of "The Encyclopedia of the Organ" and "The Encyclopedia of the Harpsichord and Clavichord". He was a loving husband, devoted father, and wonderful grandfather. He is survived by his wife Marge, daughter Nora, sons Michael, David, and Chris, and seven grandchildren. Robert could often fill an entire room with laughter, and gave his family and friends a lifetime worth of wonderful memories and joy. He will remain in our hearts forever. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Assumption in Bellingham, WA, on Saturday, November 25th at 10:30 AM. You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.