The youngest of eight children, Robert Palladino, Priest and Calligrapher, was born on the 5th of November, 1932 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Michael and Armida Palladino - a well-established Italian/Irish family with deep roots in New Mexico. He attended St. Mary’s school in Albuquerque through the 12th grade. In 1950, with many options open to him after high school graduation, Robert made the decision to join the Trappist Monastery at Pecos, New Mexico. In 1955, the Trappist community moved to Oregon and Robert was professed as a monk that same year and ordained as a priest in December of 1958.
Robert served as Choir Master from ordination until leaving the monastery in 1968. He spent a year of post graduate study at the University of Portland and at St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa. Robert was dispensed from Monastic vows and celibacy by Pope Paul VI and in 1969, he married [“the most wonderful women I’d ever hoped to meet”] Catherine Halverson, the principal clarinetist of the Portland (later Oregon) Symphony. Their only son Eric, was born in 1970.
Robert taught Calligraphy and Paleography at Reed College, The Museum Art School, Marylhurst College, and elsewhere until 2000. While at Reed College, Steve Jobs audited Robert’s Calligraphy class and later, in an address to a Stanford graduating class, Mr. Jobs credited Father Robert’s class with his inspiration for the variety fonts we now enjoy on the computer. Robert worked as a professional calligrapher from 1969 until his death. He designed card for the “Printery House” at Conception Abbey in Missouri; he continually donated his work to local fundraisers; and he completed commissioned pieces for people around the country. Robert also showered his friends and family with beautiful art – now treasured memories.
Following Catherine’s death on the 12th of April, 1987, Robert was again drawn to the religious life. He studied at Mt. Angel Seminary, mostly in Canon Law, and became a priest of the Archdiocese of Portland with Papal approval in 1995. He assisted several parishes in Oregon including churches in Welches, Sandy and Gresham. In 1997, he was appointed Administrator for both St. John in The Woods Church in Welches and St. Aloysius Church in Estacada.
Robert “retired” in 2007 but remained active - still contributing his time, talent, and great love to local churches and continuing his calligraphy. Father Robert was a beloved member to the communities he served. His broad range of life experiences made him a trusted and respected link between earth with its everyday necessities and Heaven and its glory. Father Robert often said “I am a teacher, not a preacher.” His quiet manner, gentle approach and caring soul drew those he knew to greater grace and love of God.
Father Robert Palladino is survived by his son Eric, of Sandy and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Armida Palladino; brothers Horace, John and Michael; sisters Lorraine and Armida Palladino, Anita Carter and Florence Pavioni; and his wife Catherine Halverson Palladino.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, 1716 NW Davis Street, Portland, Oregon 97209. A private burial will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Hoodland Women’s Club Student Scholarship Fund for students in Welches, Sandy and Estacada – P.O. Box 52, Welches, Oregon 97067 or Marathon Scholars – online at www.marathonscholars.org or 610 SW Alder Street, Suite 921, Portland, Oregon 97205.
Father Robert was welcomed into Heaven on Friday, the 26th day of February, 2016.