South Florida legal pioneer and retired Senior Magistrate Judge, Peter Palermo, died on Friday, November 13. He was 97.
Judge Palermo was a generous supporter of St. Thomas Law’s Peter Palermo Program; putting into action his belief that today’s youth have to become engaged citizens through knowledge of civics and the law.
The Palermo Program at St. Thomas University has evolved into a community partnership with students in the Miami Carol City Senior High School Legal and Public Affairs Magnet Program, with the goal of inspiring and educating the future generation of civic-minded leaders.
Through his generosity, St. Thomas Law established the Palermo Scholarship, and the St. Thomas Law student chapter of the Federal Bar Association is also named in his honor.
Judge Palermo consistently gave his time and talents to St. Thomas Law,” recalled Dean Alfredo Garcia. “He played an integral role and served as a role model for our community. We mourn his death and celebrate his immeasurable contribution to his country.”
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Judge Peter Palermo (front and center) pictured with students from Carol City High School’s Legal and Public Affairs Magnet Program |
Judge Palermo was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1918. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1941 and was drafted into and served in the United States Army during World War II. He rose through the military ranks and was awarded six battle stars and the Bronze Star for his valiant service.
Judge Palermo served as mayor of West Miami from 1947 to 1953 while attending law school. Upon graduation, he served as an Assistant State Attorney and eventually entered private practice. In 1971, he was one of two judges to be sworn in as the first United States Magistrates in the nation. Palermo was the longest-serving magistrate in the United States, serving for over 40 years.
