Donald Palazzo always had the New York Yankees in his heart. As a child, he would sneak a portable radio under his covers, listening to the Yankees’ games until his mother insisted he go to sleep. That passion stayed with him for decades, even as life took him through the trials of adulthood.
Now, at 93, battling dementia, and living in Bridges by EPOCH, an assisted living facility in Trumbull, Palazzo’s lifelong love for the Yankees has persisted. His only wish left? To go to Yankee Stadium one last time.
“He’s been a Yankees fan since he was eight, but hadn’t been to a game in decades,” said Gary Seri, the director of dining at Bridges. Seri, along with the staff, made it their mission to give Palazzo an unforgettable day. They took him to see the Yankees face off against the Orioles on September 24.
An emotional return to Yankee Stadium
According to CT POST, when the day arrived, Palazzo, joined by his daughter Donna McDaniel, was treated like royalty by the facility’s team. The group included Seri, senior advisor Justin Brown, and certified nursing assistants Kim McCoy and Manuel Padin. They saw Palazzo, outfitted in his beloved Yankees gear, break into tears as he stepped into Yankee Stadium for the first time in years.
“I was overwhelmed,” Palazzo said, reflecting on that day. “Seeing my team play, especially Aaron Judge hitting a home run, was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I felt like a king.”
McDaniel said her father’s joy was palpable. “I still have chills from that night. Watching my dad look around the stadium, taking it all in — it was like a dream come true for him,” she shared. “The staff went above and beyond to make this possible, and it means everything to me. My dad deserved this moment.”
Palazzo, a Korean War Air Force veteran, worked at Sikorsky Aircraft for decades before retiring in 1993. He raised three daughters with his late wife Beverly, whom he was married to for 68 years. Palazzo’s youngest daughter, Cheryl, passed away in 2001, leaving behind a difficult but enduring legacy for the family.
A tribute to Mickey Mantle
His love for baseball, particularly the Yankees, always remained a constant. His favorite player was none other than Mickey Mantle — an idol for many of Palazzo’s generation. For him, this game wasn’t just about seeing the Yankees. It was a bridge back to his youth, to all those nights listening to the Yankees under the covers, imagining the roaring crowds of Yankee Stadium.
Palazzo’s journey with dementia has made these moments of joy increasingly rare. But as Seri explained, the staff at Bridges is dedicated to providing more than just daily care — they are devoted to making dreams come true.
“We don’t just care for them; we give them experiences that bring joy to their lives,” Seri said. “Donald deserved this, and seeing his face light up — it was more than worth it.”
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Nice story and a great photo of the Mick. Let’s hope Mr. Palazzo’s health improves.