When someone dies, they don’t lose their strength; they give it to someone who earns it. 

Our beloved, Michael Samuel DePalma, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. He spent his last days at home with his true love and partner in life, his wife, Caryl. To say that Michael’s life was one of a kind would be an understatement. Though we would have loved to have had him longer, he lived his 76 years bigger and grander than these sentences can capture. 

He made memories on the dancefloor, the golf course, on the beach in LBI, behind the wheel of his Shelby  Mustang, on the race track, at the gun range, and behind the camera as a wedding photographer, capturing memories for others in photos. He made fast friends wherever his day took him ~ his bright eyes, big laugh, and even bigger heart taking over the room. Spending time with those who called him Papa made his enjoyment of life grow even more.

Michael held degrees in Psychology and Education. He also studied  Criminal Justice, which led to an 18-year career in law enforcement, retiring as a well-loved and respected  Sergeant from the Village of Ossining Police Department. 

Michael always made days better, and you felt loved and safe in his presence. He made everything special, and we will continue to honor him by using his example of strength to live by. We encourage everyone to  “Be a Michael”. Enjoy all the time you have here, live life to its fullest, make the best of bad situations,  think, cry, laugh, and learn. Most of all, find love and treasure it, because after all, love is what it is always about and what remains. 

Michael’s birthday is coming up on March 22nd. We will be eating angel hair pasta, maybe without the anchovies, at his favorite place. We would love if you celebrated him too with his favorite meal, and shared some photos with us to make us smile. Please feel free to share these words on Facebook. Michael is surely still scrolling in Heaven and would like as many shares and likes as he can get. 

Michael is predeceased by his parents, Michael and Angelina (Agosta) DePalma, and his sister Gloria  Beasley.

Michael is survived by his wife, Caryl (Bogardus) DePalma. He is also survived by Michael  (Jonely) DePalma and his granddaughter, Camila. He also leaves behind Lauren (Michael) Dorien, and grandchildren, Lily, Luke, Brendan, Haven, Chloe, and Brynn, as well as Rachel (Michael) Lubniewski and grandchildren, Emily and Nora. He is also survived by his sister, Arlene (Guy) Adams. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at  Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington Street, Peekskill, NY 10566. 

Services will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church, 690 Highland Avenue, Peekskill, NY, 10566. 

Interment to follow at Bethel Cemetery, 43 Old Post Road South, Croton-On-Hudson, NY, 10520.

In Lieu of Flowers, Donations in Michael's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Lustgarten Foundation