Gaetano "Guy" Palladino

Please join us in celebrating the life of Gaetano “Guy” Palladino, 62, of Stillwater, Oklahoma. Guy died peacefully at home on Sunday evening, August 20, 2023. Guy was born to Stefano and Carla Palladino in Chicago, Illinois, on June 14, 1961. He graduated from Gore High School in Gore, Oklahoma. He attended Northeastern State University where he was a member of the Acacia Fraternity and then attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and Oklahoma State University. In 1983, he joined the Army Reserves, where he was a Drill Sergeant.

In 1981, Guy was married to Sherri Scott, they were blessed with a daughter, Tedra. In 1985, Guy married Cheryl Petersen in Stillwater and they were later blessed with two sons: Christopher and Peter. Guy and Cheryl celebrated their 38th anniversary on August 17th of this year, prior to his passing.

He managed a Tulsa restaurant before attending the Police Academy. In 1987, Guy joined the Stillwater Police Department (SPD). He served as a motor officer and was the first canine officer in Stillwater, where he worked alongside Diego. He finished his career as the first School Resource Officer for Stillwater Public Schools, serving at the Middle School for eleven years. In 1990, Guy was the President of the Local Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 102. From 1998 to 2004, he served as Vice-President and President of the State of Oklahoma Fraternal Order of Police. He retired from the SPD in 2013.

He was active at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, serving on the Parish Council and as a member of the Knights of Columbus. In his retirement years, he studied masonry and taught the security guard class at Meridian Technology.

He was preceded in death by his father, Stefano Palladino. Survivors include his mother, Carla (Gelasi) Palladino, wife Cheryl Palladino, children Tedra (Ryan) Hudson of Joplin, Missouri; Christopher (Cathy) Palladino of St Louis, Missouri; and Peter Palladino (partner Rebekah Bozman) of Denver, Colorado; along with three grandchildren, Scout and Hawk Hudson, and Olivia Palladino. He is also survived by his brothers, Steve (Lori) Palladino, Wetumka, Oklahoma, and Paul (Laurel) Palladino, Jenks, Oklahoma, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and hundreds of police officers and friends. The family would like to thank Guy’s hospice nurses and caregivers and their best friends, Keith and Sandy Colasacco.

Visitation for Guy Palladino will be Monday, August 28th, from 12pm to 8pm, with family there from 5pm-7pm, at Dighton-Marler Funeral Home in Stillwater, OK. Funeral services will be at 10a.m. Tuesday, August 29th, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, followed by burial at Fairlawn Cemetery. As was his wish, he will be buried with his beloved police service dog, Diego, who served alongside him for seven years. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Guy’s name may be made to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Guy made a lasting impression on everyone who called him friend. His laughter, his huge heart, his ability to create the best Italian meals, and his love for life will live on in all of us. Guy was proud that he was able to say he saw the Cubs finally win a World Series in his lifetime. Go Cubs Go!!

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.dighotnmarler.com.