Stephen Palombo, 62, of Fremont Street, Providence died Dec. 22.  Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Dr. Joseph A. Palumbo and Joan (Barfod) Palumbo.

Steve attended Cranston High School West and Wesleyan University.   He served two tours in Vietnam (1967-1969) first in infantry and as a mortar platoon forward observer, then as a civil affairs team leader working with Jarai tribesmen.  Upon release from active duty he worked for a Pennsylvania construction company and volunteered in the adolescent ward of the Institute of the Pennsylvania Hospital. He returned to Providence in 1974 where he worked first at Providence Public Library, then at the Rockefeller and Sciences Libraries at Brown University. In 1986, together with his wife, Anne Huntington, he opened Po Gallery in Providence which continues to this day, and from 1996 through 2008 provided daily assistance and guidance to the late Larry Martin, a disabled man from the Fox Point neighborhood.

He is survived by Anne Huntington, his wife of 26 years, a sister: Michaela Palumbo of Cabin John, Maryland, 5 Brothers:  Joseph Jr. of Toronto, Gregory of Benton Harbor, Michigan, David of Charlotte N.C. and Peter and Jeffrey both  of Cranston and several nieces and nephews.