Domenic A. “Mickey” Palagruto
November 27, 1942 - April 14, 2026
Domenic A. “Mickey” Palagruto, age 83, of Elkton, MD, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Born in Wilmington, DE, on November 27, 1942, he was a son of the late Ferdinand and Marie (Pileggi) Palagruto. Mickey was a graduate of Salesianum School in the class of 1960. He then earned accounting degrees from Goldey-Beacom College in 1962 and East Carolina University in 1964. Mickey worked as an accountant at DuPont until his retirement in 2000. After his retirement, he dedicated himself to expanding his accounting and investment firm: Palagruto Enterprises.
Devout to his faith, Mickey served as a eucharistic minister at St. John/Holy Angels Parishes. He loved the beach and sunbathing at his pool in Elkton and the shore at Ocean City, NJ. He and his grandfather built the family vacation cottage in Somers Point, NJ. Mickey enjoyed several weeks each year in Pompano Beach, FL, during the colder months in the north. He also came to really enjoy cruises with his wife, Helen, and her family.
In addition to his parents, Mickey was preceded in death by his first wife, Janice C. Palagruto; his sister, Patricia DiSabatino; and his granddaughter, Rosanna Monterosso. He is survived by his loving wife, Helen R. (Howell) Palagruto; sons, Domenic A. Palagruto II (Karen Wood, M.D.) and David A. Palagruto (Julie Monterosso); stepsons, Scott M. Doughty (Laura) and Sean G. Doughty (Janine); sister, Judy Neuberger; grandchildren, Vincent Monterosso, Frank Monterosso, Domenique Broyles, Jack Palagruto, and Cameron Palagruto; step grandchildren, Sadie Morgan, Tanner Morgan, Mikaylee Doughty, and Owen Doughty; and great-grandchildren, Devin, Max, Delaney, Sofia, Lance, and Mya.
The family expresses deepest thanks to Accent Hospice for the loving care and assistance provided in his final weeks of life.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 am until 10:30 am on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Holy Angels R.C. Church, 82 Possum Park Road, Newark, DE, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am. Entombment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mickey’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or online by clicking here
Deborah Walker
My sincere condolences to the entire Palagruto family. He was one of the nicest people you would ever meet. Dominic was a friend of my dad’s for many, many years, and his accountant. Because if this friendship, he became my accountant for years. Thoughts are with the family.
I remember Dominic. We both attend St. Anthony School & Church. He was a very talented muscian as well as gentlemen and all-around great guy.
I remember Dominic fondly. We both attend St. Anthony’s School & Church; he was a very gifted musician as well as an all-around great guy. Rest in Peace my friend and may God hold you in the palm of his hands!