Janet Palacino

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Janet Palacino, a beacon of strength and love, surrounded by her family at home in Tucson, Arizona, on January 29, 2024, after a courageous 2.5-year battle with brain cancer.

Born on March 20, 1959, in Manhattan, New York, Janet's journey was one marked by resilience, brilliance, and an unshakable commitment to her loved ones. Raised in Queens, her early years were a testament to her determination and thirst for knowledge. Her family's move from New York to Miami opened new horizons for Janet, where she combined her passion for science and the sea by working as a published researcher at the Rosenstiel School of Marine Science while still in high school.

Janet's academic pursuits led her to the University of Miami, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and met the love of her life, Richard Palacino. Their union, which blossomed into a beautiful marriage of 40 years, was founded on shared values and mutual respect.

Her sense of duty and love for her country guided Janet into the United States Navy, where she served with distinction and rose to the rank of full Lieutenant. Balancing her professional life with her role as a devoted mother, Janet's career as an electrical engineer was distinguished by innovation and leadership. She worked in various municipalities across Florida, eventually channeling her expertise into her own successful business.

Life's journey took Janet and her family to Scottsdale, Arizona, where she became the Director of Facilities Management for Maricopa County. Her illustrious career culminated at Arizona State University, from which she retired in 2015. Retirement was a time of joy and relaxation, spent in the loving embrace of her family in Tucson.

Janet, an avid certified diver, relished exploring the ocean's depths. Her passion for fishing, boating, traveling, reading, needlepoint, and art, along with her love for her pets, showcased the breadth of her interests and her compassionate spirit.

Janet's legacy is carried on by her devoted husband, Richard; her loving children, Joseph and Michelle; her mother, Marilyn Greenbaum; and her brothers, Steven and John. Her determined spirit, selfless love, and radiant smile will be forever missed but not forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the World Wildlife Fund or the Wounded Warrior Project in her honor. Janet Palacino, a shining example of a life well-lived, will be dearly missed and eternally cherished in the hearts of many.