Philip “Fast Phil” Palomo, 73, of El Paso, TX and formerly of Gering, NE, died peacefully Sunday, November 26, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones in Mitchell, NE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Gering, with Fr. Mike McDonald as Celebrant. Burial will follow at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. The Nebraska Army National Guard and Gering American Legion Post 36 Honor Guard will provide military honors. A Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m., Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the church. The casket will be closed in accordance with Phil’s wishes. Memorials may be made to the Scotts Bluff County Veteran’s Aid Fund. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting Phil’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.
Phil was born May 26, 1950, in Scottsbluff, NE to Bernardo Sr. and Aurelia (Zamarripa) Palomo. He was a mama’s boy from the very beginning and craved her cooking even up until his final days on Earth. Phil also carried a deep respect for his father who instilled in him manners towards elders, a trait he maintained his whole life.
Phil was drafted to the United States Army in 1969. He served two tours in Vietnam and was a Purple Heart recipient. He was honorably discharged in 1971 at which time he returned home to Nebraska and began working in the construction industry.
He became the proud father to seven children: Michael, Jennifer, Arlo, Rebecca, Veronica, Philip, and Margaret.
Phil moved to Texas where he attended a trade school for plumbing certification. He made a career as a master plumber, working within the El Paso area.
He enjoyed fishing in his spare time and had an appreciation for cars. Phil liked watching western movies and war movies, and it was even better if he had company to watch the show with him. His sense of humor was unlike any other. He loved to tell stories and make people laugh. His own laugh was contagious, spreading a smile or chuckle to others the moment they heard it. Phil blazed his own trail and was a free spirit his entire life. Not everyone understood him, but he was confident and comfortable with the person he was.
Survivors include his children, Michael (Myma) Morrisette, Jennifer (Amador) Rivera, Arlo Palomo, Rebecca (Isaac) Chavez, Veronica (Michael) Caldwell, Philip Palomo, and Margaret (Daniel) Giordano; eighteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Bernard Palomo, Julian (Della) Palomo, Rudy (Lucy) Palomo, Angie (Abel) Renteria, Adeline (Rod Horst) Palomo, Pedro Palomo Sr., Henry Palomo, and Patricia (Isidro) Morales; brother-in-law, Pete Burila; along with many other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernardo and Aurelia; sister, Concha Burila; and niece, Irene Palomo.