George Paul Palazio Jr., 75, of Warren, R.I., formerly of Smithfield, R.I., passed away, Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, at home after a long battle with cancer.

Born in Fall River, Mass., he was the son of the late George Paul and Justine (Mello) Palazio.

Mr. Palazio worked as a pressman for the Providence Gravure for 29 years, retiring in 2001. He was a veteran of the Rhode Island National Guard, serving during the Vietnam Era.  He was a communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church and New Hope Baptist Church.  Mr. Palazio was a life-member of the Smithfield Sportsman Club, the Roger Williams Masonic Lodge, and the Pressman’s Union #3.

He is survived by two sons, Mark Palazio and his wife Pauleena of Gloucester, R.I., and Matthew Palazio and his wife Jennifer of Attleboro, Mass.; a daughter, Gina Rigby and her companion William McGrady of Fall River, Mass.; a step-son, Ryan Bouchard and his fiancé Emily Schmidt, of Wakefield, R.I.; a brother, Christopher J. Palazio of Alexandria, Va.; two sisters, Donna Amaral and her husband Joseph of Warren, R.I., and Joyce Palazio and her companion Sue Schutzberg of Warren, R.I.; six grandchildren, Amanda Rigby, Nicole Rigby, Mollie Rigby, Ava Palazio, Kyle Palazio, and Anthony Palazio, and one great-granddaughter, Isabella Grace. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, as well as many other family and friends whom he loved.

George was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed antique cars, motorcycles, target shooting and his love for gardening and horses. He spent his later years in Florida surrounded by dear friends.

Most important to George was his faith, family, and friends. Those who knew “The Gee” are sure to recall one of his jokes or many stories.  He loved to make people laugh.

The family would like to extend their deepest and sincere gratitude to all those who helped George through his difficult time, especially Mary Ann Sousa, Sue Schutzberg and Beacon Hospice, for whom we are forever grateful.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, from 4 to 8 p.m. in Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, R.I.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, at 9 a.m., from Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 500 Metacom Ave., Warren.

Burial will take place in St. Jean the Baptiste Cemetery, Vernon Street, Warren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

Information/On-Line condolences please visit- www.wjsmithfh.com.