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Robert Michael DePalo III
09/02/1982 — 03/04/2008
From Eugene, OR, US | Born in White Plains, New York
Robert Michael DePalo III
RJ DEPALO
''No Bird Soars Too High If He Soars With His Own Wings.''
RJ DePalo died in Eugene, Oregon, on Tuesday, March 4, 2008. He was 25.
RJ was born on September 2, 1982, in White Plains, NY, and attended kindergarten through 2nd grade at Hollywood Hills in Woodinville, WA. After attending 3rd grade at Margaret Mead grade school in Redmond, WA, he moved with his family to Toutle, WA. RJ graduated from Toutle Lake High School in 2001. He attended college in Scottsdale, AZ, and continued his education at the University of Oregon.
One of his favorite pastimes growing up on Silver Lake was ''froggin'' with his brothers, cousins and friends on the farm. He also enjoyed hunting big game and birds with his Dad. The highlight of his hunting career was his trophy six-point bull. He loved to travel to Lincoln City with his girlfriend, Amanda Kuroda, and his dog, Koda. Amanda and RJ loved to watch movies, shop, take Koda for walks and go out to eat.
RJ pursued his passion for baseball by playing for Scottsdale Community College and continued his career at the University of Oregon. He was a sports enthusiast who devoted long hours to coaching his sister and younger cousins in a variety of team sports. The Oregon Ducks were his favorite team, and he and two of his best friends, Travis and Anthony, were avid ''tailgaters'' at the Ducks football games. They loved supporting his younger brother, Ryan, through his football career for the University of Oregon Ducks.
RJ and his sister, Rylie, loved to karaoke and dance. RJ taught her how to drive a clutch and shoot a gun. They have fond memories of bird hunting and four-wheeling. RJ and his brother, Josh, loved the weekend winter trips on the ski bus. They spent their high school days together playing football, baseball and basketball where they helped the Ducks to two state championship games in basketball and a semi-final game in football. They loved all the nights out together hangin with all their friends.
No one could beat his mother's homemade enchiladas, and his birthdays were celebrated every year with her homemade German chocolate cake. He loved his long talks with her and telling her whatever was on his mind. RJ always called his mom for cooking and motherly advice while in college.
RJ is survived by his Mom and Dad, Marcia & Tim Norris; his brothers: Ryan DePalo and Josh Norris; his sister, Rylie Norris; his girlfriend, Amanda Kuroda, his dog, Koda his grandparents, Harold ''Frosty'' and Gertrude Norris, Andy and Bev Kafentzis, and Bruce and Phyllis Hightower.
Uncles, aunts & cousins: Andy Tyler, Travis Kafentzis; Randy Joanie Kafentzis; Michele Kafentzis-Hinkle Fred, Marc & Nikki & Dominic, Mike, Nicolas; Debra Rusk Troy, Nichole & Jason & Dezmond Montemayor, Kurt & Kent Elliott; Kym Kylie Kafentzis; Mark Debra, Landon & Raquel, Tyson, Giovanni Kafentzis; Chris Kafentzis, Michael McCulloch; Kent Carrie, Konner, Kennedy Kafentzis; Kurt Aline, Kole, Tristan, Roman Kafentzis; Kyle Juliene, Taylor, Austin Kafentzis, Alex Ellie Wilson; Pamela Bill, Mikhail, Kalen, Kyle, Alec Powell; Sean Cyndi, Andrew, Quinten, Nikolas, Madeleine Kafentzis; Jeff Patty, Erika, Jon & Maggie Norris; Lisa DJ, Taren & Mia Rosa; Robert and Liz DePalo; Robert M. DePalo Renee Feingold, Bria DePalo; Fred & Rosemary Giacci; Laura & Jake Roth; Ardala DePalo; Bill DePalo Jillian; and Vinnie Costello.
RJ was preceded in death by Brother TJ Norris, Great Grandma Bernice Norris, Great Grandpa Harold ''Frosty'' Norris, and Grandma Ardala Costello.
RJ's family would like to acknowledge the following people from Toutle, WA, who were so special to him:
Linda and Steve Smith, Jerry Johnson, Eric and Chris Swanson, Judy and Tim Frandsen, Larry and Marla Fulcher, Kim and Willie Nelson, Jeff and Shirley Cooper, Jerry and Connie Dalquist, Jeff and Brenda Oliver, Scott Grabenhorst, Casey Feroglia, Mic and Sue Gorton, Dave and Cheryl Murphy, John Davidson, Lauri and Lynn Higgins, Dave and Linda Hynning, Kathy and Brad Cooper, Grandma & Grandpa Kessler, Gary and Sandy Kessler, the Drew family, Duke and Peggy Spencer and family and all of RJ's loving friends and their families.
Recitation of the rosary will be on Tuesday, March 11, at 7 P.M., with viewing from 5 to 8:00 P.M. at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, March 12, with a mass for Christian burial at Christ the King Church in Richland, WA at 11.00 A.M. Internment will follow.
RJ was a wonderfully fun student to have in class. I will always remember his good humor and great smile and am heartbroken that he will no longer share that with the world. My family’s prayers and thoughts are with you all in this most difficult time.
I remember playing baseball with RJ as a freshman at Toutle. He was not only a tremendous athlete, but a great teammate and an inspirational role model. God bless you RJ, and may you rest in peace.
Tim, Marcia, Josh, Ryan and Rylie,
The outpouring of care from the many whose lives have been so wonderfully touched by RJ and you all is a reflection of the sadness we feel for your loss. As RJ grew, Sandy and I followed his path of life. Bill looked for opportunities to take RJ fishing. Mom smiled at the big hug RJ gave her recently. RJ made a difference to us, as do you.
We are so sorry.
Love,
Gary and Sandy
RJ was truly one of the most amazing people I have ever met. He always had a smile on his face and found a way to put one on your face no matter what mood you were in. The silly things that RJ and I got into over the years will be forever cherished and remembered. He cared for every one around him and displayed the attributes taught to him by his wonderful family. I wish to extend my love and prayers to the Norris family and each of RJ’s friends.
I will always remember RJ as soft spoken, happy, nice and fun to be around. . Our Love and Prayers are with you at this difficult time.There are just no words to express how bad our family feels for you. God Bless your family. We Love you. The Olvers
My heart aches for your whole family in this difficult time. I haven’t seen RJ since a few years after Graduation, but, like most of us in our small class, we were once all friends. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
My warmest memory is seeing all three boys coming to one of Riley’s Christmas programs. They gave her their full attentions. What a handsome family!!!!
My nephew & first god child…so many years have past and you have always been in my thoughts. Even though the distance and the closeness between us was not there…you will always be in my heart! My sorrow is unexplainable…no words can be expressed….just tears. I went to my church and lite a candle that your soul is in heaven….which I’m sure it is. I pray you can be an angle to many. All My Love to you, Aunt Ardala
Tim, Marsha and Family
May God Bless you at your time of grieving. He will be missed by so many people. He touched so many hearts. You have such a wonderful family God Bless you all. There are so many people praying for you..
I will always have great memories of R.J. Always with a smile teasing everyone.. He will be missed.
My heart goes out to RJ’s family and all those whom had the privilege to know RJ. I personally, will cherish the two-plus years we spent working together, lifting weights, and hanging out. Throughout those years, it was almost if RJ had answer or solution for whatever situation I may have been in at the time. RJ was a great human being, a great son, a great brother, and a great friend. He will be missed and remember forever. Rest In Peace, RJ.
I was lucky enough to have coached RJ in youth football. He was one of, if not, the best kids i coached. He was so pleasant and fun to have on the team. My heart goes out to all of you. You are in my prayers.
Loren, myself, and all of Rylie’s team mates wish that we had words that might somehow ease your pain. Know that we care about you and you are in our thoughts
Our love and prayers are with you at this difficult time. My St. John Vianney Community in Walnut Creek, CA.have expressed in prayer their thoughts for your family.
The St. Rose School staff has RJ’s family in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in the Lord’s peace and his family find solace in the joy he brought to others.
God Bless You,
Kay Purcell
Sorry to see you go friend. I”ll never forget the memories. May you rest in peace.
I am sorry for you lost one i know RJ from school i am really sorry to hear that RJ passed away
RJ is now safe at home, with our loving Father, God.
Please let all of us, who have been privileged to be acquainted with this honorable young man, and his lovely family, truly respect his memory, and continue in this life his good works, by loving each other the way RJ loved people, and life.
Respectfully submitted by the Forman family
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Love, Ann Marie
Our prayers are with you and all of your extended family. May our Lord comfort you and surround you with His loving arms during this time in your lives. Dave & Linda Bechtel
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. RJ was a special young man and will be greatly missed. We have a lot of memories of RJ throughout high school. Bless you!
Marcia, Tim, Ryan, Josh, Rylie, Amanda, Family and Friends. Words can not express how deeply sorry we are to learn of the passing of RJ. As Sean’s best friend for over 34 years, I have had the honor to know the entire Kafentzis family for many years. They are a family based on integrity, honor, and loyalty. Such a quality family is hard to find in this world. RJ was a handsome and admirable young man with so much to offer the world, he will be deeply missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to you in this difficult time and may God bless his soul. We love you all.
Marsha~ God bless you, your family, and your Mom & Dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time…
I thought I would share some recollections of RJ from the athletic arena. There were many, but these are my three favorites.
I was fortunate to coach RJ in middle school football for two years. I know RJ’s 8th grade year we beat Kalama. That would be Kalama’s only loss in a stretch of 5 years. You don’t forget those games. Later that same year, we were playing Onalaska for the league championship. We were up 26 or 20-0. The game was well in hand. Ony scored a TD in the 2nd half and went for a PAT kick. RJ came through the line and “gave up his body” as they say, and blocked the kick. His hand or arm was banged up pretty good, but he wouldn’t come out, even with the game well in hand. I haven’t had a kid go at a kick like that since. I’ll never forget it.
Lastly, I don’t remember if it was his 9th or 10th grade year, but it was a basketball playoff game against Ilwaco in Castle Rock. It was packed, standing room only. We were pummeling them and Coach Swanson “called off the dogs” early in the 4th. RJ was a young sub off the bench. Well, when he hit his first “3” shot, I told the guy next to me, “this is bad”. He says, “What do you mean bad, it’s already a 30 point lead?” I said, the Depalo kid is a streak shooter, if they don’t get out on him, he’ll just keep making them”. RJ hit 3 or 4 more “3 pt” shots and we won by at least 40. The guy could flat shoot!!
I hope we all take the time to remember the “good stuff”.
My entire families thoughts are with all of you.
JD
Tim, Marsha, Josh, Ryan, Rylie and family – I just returned from 10 days in DC and will be holding down the fort so those can attend the service. Our prayers and thoughts are with you “all” during this difficult time. Hunter will be there to represent the “Sullivans” and my fondest memories will be as I refer to “the boys” we as parents watching them grow up in Toutle and doing all the sports with them. “Oh what memories to cherish” need I say more!!!!
Love Annie
It doesn’t seem like it was so long ago when I was RJ’s partner at basketball practice…when he and Kenny were little boys and I wasn’t too much older…Remember Marcia, you were waiting to have Rylie and you were too far along to play defense…so my Dad had me jump in to the drills with RJ while you watched from the sidelines. He was so talented! And most of all…everyone knows that he played for the love of the game! I will remember RJ as the cocky little boy with the winning smile and the big heart. My heart goes out to the whole family…take care of each other and know that we are all celebrating his memory.
Dear Marcia, Tim, Josh, Ryan, and Rylie. It’s so hard to find words to comfort you during this time, but I know your memories of RJ will be the ultimate comfort. Your family has enriched the lives of so many of us in Toutle and we have all been proud of the Norris/Depalo kids at one time or another–what great genes! You are a wonderful, loving, beautiful family and RJ was a tribute to you all. My prayers and thoughts are with you and, remember, I’m just down the road if you need anything at all.
Linda
Tim, Marcia,Ryan,Rylie and Josh. I am very sorry for the lost. Everyone is a better person for having known him. As for me I will always have the memories of watching him play basketball with Josh. I remember taking a class with him my senior year, he would always have that trademark smile on his face that would always make the class better. He will be deeply missed.
I havn’t seen R.J since our freshman year, but remember the friendship we had back then and how great of a person he was! Always had a smile on his face and was a great listener when someone needed him. He will be missed and my heart goes out to his family and friends. God Bless
Tim, Marsha, Ryan, Josh and Rylie. Rj was a truly great and talented person. He had the best sense of humor and could always make me smile! He will be truly missed. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time.
Tim, Marcia, Josh, Ryan and Rylie, We love RJ. His memories will be with our family forever–his excitement, enthusiasm, intensity, competitiveness and fun-loving nature will always live with us. One of the things we’ll miss the most is the smile we could see from miles away. Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes are with you.
Dave and Cheryl
I am so sorry to hear about R.J. – He was a great kid. I was an Assistant Football and Head Basketball Coach at Kalama while he was at Toutle, and was always impressed with not only his athletic ability, but the manner in which he competed: all out, and full of class. I’ll never forget when he lit us up in Basketball at the Tacoma Dome state semi-finals in 2000.
Again, I’m so sorry.
Paul Huddleston
I Jamie recall when your family first moved to toutle and my father and Tim worked together, and I was able to get to know your family. I recall the last conversation that I and RJ had together about 5 1/2 years ago and he thanked me very much for being his first true friend when your family moved here. RJ was a very nice young man and he will be missed so very much. We are soo deeply sorry for your lost. Dear God please ungulf this family and help them through this tragic lost and guide them wil love. AMEN
Marcia and Tim…my condolences to you and your family. There are no words that will ease the pain. Only know, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tim, it has been a long time old friend. If you ever need to talk, just call or come see us…
Terry and Dale Gunter
1497 Chardonnay Drive
Richland, WA 99352
509 372-8106 – work
509 628-2858 – home
RJ will be missed here at Toutle Lake. Sorry for your loss.
cf
Our deepest sympathies go out to all of RJ’s family. We saw him at Christmas time when all the “boys” came right in as usual. He hung back by the door into the kitchen and said “I don’t know if you remember me.” I laughed and said “I know who you are, come in here and give me a hug.” He grinned that grin, just as handsome and charming as ever. We’ll miss him.
We are also Cowltz Co Duck fans. We met Ryan at Papa Pete’s last summer and looked him up at a Duck game and always cheered him on while watching the games on TV. He spoke to us about his family and we know he is feeling a loss that goes very deep. Our deepest sympathy is extented to the Family for your terrible loss. Please know that many “Duck fan’s” are morning the loss of another great fan and supporter of “Our Duck’s”.
I just wanted to say that RJ will be greatly missed! I enjoyed the fierce battles against him and the Ducks that we shared, and we will always have those great memories of RJ.. I can only say that he was loved by many and will be missed by us all.. Im going to miss him! I even got the chance to go “froggin” with him, goose, and josh… I feel very fortunate to have gotten the chance to be a friend of his…
Marcia,Tim,Josh,Rylie and Ryan;
I am so sorry for your loss. RJ was so charming he alway made me feel loved and important. RJ’s ability to engulf those he loved with genuine attention was unmatched. When he came into a room all eyes were on him.
I will always cherish my memories of RJ, Ryan and Alex in the truck, heading to one sports event or another, and RJ saying Peggy lets sing. RJ and I sang our hearts out on those trips. The last time I saw him he blamed me for his love of Karoke.
I remember taking Jessica, RJ,Ryan and Alex to the river to swim and picnic. The last time we were all together in Eugene I was so proud of RJ,Josh,Ryan,Rylie. I was also proud of the family you all had become. RJ will be missed, his loss is tremendous. But,he came from a strong and proud family. I know for his sake and memory we all must continue on, with RJ in our hearts.
Love to all,
Peggy,Duke,Alex Spencer
Jessica Bartell
Tim, Marsha, Josh, Ryan, Rylie and family I’m truly sorry for your loss. RJ will be forever missed by his family & friends. You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
RJ was a great friend and he will be missed deeply. I will never forget the great moments we spent together. May you rest in peace. We all loved him.
RJ touched so many different people in so many different ways. He had the greatest smile and laugh, and showed them often. Although we haven’t stayed close the last few years, I will always be thankful for the time we spent together in school and the friendship we had. Tim, Marcia, Josh, Ryan, and Rylie, my thoughts are with you during this heartbreaking time. I am here if you need support. Thanks, RJ, for all of the joy you gave your friends and family.
Tim, Marsha and family~ Words cannot express our heartache for your entire family. RJ went to school with my daughter and niece Kami Peck. I will always remember what a kind young man he was and WOW, what a smile. Anyone that had the honor of knowing him will forever remeber him. Our prayers are with you and yours through this very difficult time. God bless you all.
Marsha,Tim, Rylie, Josh, Ryan, We love you and pray the LORD GOD of Mercy to wrap his arms around you and give you the peace only he can give.
We are weeping with you and are here should you need us.
Leann, Nate, Lynn Couch
Tim, Marsha, Ryan, Josh, Rilie and family – what a sad loss we’ve all endured. He was such a great person to be around, always the one to give a helping hand, nice to everyone, respectful, smart, no doubt athletic, and most of all he was a devoted son, brother, and friend. Please accept my sincere sorrow for your family throughout this devestating time. He will forever be missed by those who were greatful enough to know him. We are all better people for having had him in our lives! My thoughts and prayers will be with you…
Chrissi Printz
To all the family,
Our heart go’s out to you
He was a great young man
he will be missed by all
Loretta& Earl
When I think of RJ I will always remember his 1st big varsity touchdown for us in a game at Tacoma Baptist. We went sweep right against a very good TB defense and as soon as RJ turned the corner he was gone. That was the first of many highlights I was fortunate enough to have seen from RJ in football, basketball and baseball at Toutle Lake.
Thank you RJ and God Bless.
Tim, Marcia, Josh, Ryan, and Rylie,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this very difficult time. We will never forget RJ’s charming smile, wonderful personality, and of course all the great memories of his athletic career at Toutle Lake. May you find some comfort in all the wonderful memories you have shared with RJ.
This is my second attempt @ signing this guest book, I just can’t seem to stop the tears when I realize that RJ is gone. My heart aches for his family because I know there is just nothing anyone can do or say to fill the void and ease the sorrow that they are now feeling.
Tim, Marcia, Josh, Ryan and Riley, you have always held a special place in my heart. Your family is in many of my fondest memories from my childhood and my thoughts and prayers are with you now.
RJ, your smile has always filled me w/ joy. You will be truly missed and heaven is lucky to have you. Until we meet again, goodbye
With sympathy,
Jessica
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. RJ was a wonderful young man. He was a blessing to whoever he met.
Katrina Harris, used to be High School Secretary at Toutle Lake High School
To RJ’s family,
I never thought Id be writing something like this to you. Gods word says that He will not leave you comfortless, but will come to you. I pray that you feel His presence during this time. I am so sad to see RJ go. Let me just say that all the girls in our class wanted to marry him ever since the 4th grade. Ok, myself included. : Who could resist that smile and charm? What a blessing it was to have known him, and what precious memories we are all left with.
Rj was an amazing person. I worked with him and would like to think that we were not just coworkers but friends. Rj had a big heart and was always willing to help out. He even helped my son, Alex, get ready for football one season. Alex liked Rj, we all liked Rj.
Our hearts, our thoughts, our prayers go out to his family and friends. We are so sorry that he had to be taken away so soon, we had a bright furure ahead of him.
RJ you will be missed.
If I was going to tell all the wonderful and hilarious stories that involve RJ I would be typing all day. RJ was the pinnacle of fun from the time I could remember. From causing trouble on the farm to little league All-Stars, RJ was a large part of most, if not all, of the best memories from my young life in Toutle.
I will truly miss you RJ, and you can count on me to keep telling your stories.
Love you pal. Rest well.
To the family of RJ, I know it has been a few years since RJ an I have spent much time together, but I still can not think of a friend that had a bigger effect on me growing up. Even though we were the same age I always looked up to and admired RJ. I enjoyed the times we spent together in arizona and his loss will weigh heavy on me forever. All I can really say is that my sympathies are with all of you at this time. From now on I will just take comfort in the fact that I was lucky enough to have RJ in my life, and that as a person he fit so much love, happiness, and friendship into the time he had with us. He will be missed by all who met him. One last thought. The first homerun hit off me, the first varsity interception I threw were both by RJ! He was a great athlete.
RJ, may God bless your journey as the gates of heaven open up for you. As I reflect back on the memories you and I have shared together, I know that your life will be remembered with love, kindness and encouragement. Marsha, Tim, Josh, Ryan and Riley you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Tim, Marcia and family: My heartfelt sympathies to you during this most difficult time. It’s always sad to say goodbye to a loved one but, we, as parents, least expect to see our children leave this earth before us. I will miss RJ’s easy, sparkling smile. He was a joy to be around, both friendly to those he knew and those he didn’t. It has been my pleasure to know him. My prayers are with you all. With deepest regret, Renae.
R.J. was a fun and spirited person who was alway smilling and so full of life, so you could not help but feel the same. He touched my heart as well as others. Love you buddie, you will be missed..
I had the honor of being friends with RJ, he was one of happiest and funniest people I have ever met. RJ touched my life as well as many other peoples lives in a great way and he truly will be missed.
Rest In peace Buddy.
R.J. was a great friend to all people and will be missed. i thank God for people like R.J. who bring light to a dark day. Rest in Peace my friend.
We all expect the road to be long and winding. Sadly we share in your loss of this strong character working to find his way among life’s passages.
Great Young Man! Awesome Athlete! RJ was one of those gifted athletes who could break a game wide open with a string of threes, a break-a-way run or a swing of the bat. But his smile and his laugh is what Ill miss most
Im sure you all know what I mean. I had the pleasure of sitting down with RJ a while back to just reminisce. Ill never forget how respected I felt that he would want to sit down with an old-timer like me and just talk about family, friends and sports
God, he Loved his family.
Marsha and Tim, you raised a wonderful son.
Judy and I will really miss him.
Tim
I was shocked to see RJ’s life was cut so short.He played basketball and baseball with my son and I always enjoyed his athletic abilities and passion for sports. I talked with him on several occasions about his plans for the future, and was impressed with his kind demeanor. My heart goes out to his family over his passing.
I had the privilege of having RJ as a teammate but more importantly as a friend. My condolences go out anyone who has had the pleasure of knowing him. I’ll never forget you buddy.
Your entire family is in our prayers. Share your memories, he will be with you forever.
RJ was a great guy in high school. I really wished I could of kept in contact with him as we went out in the world, but it seems he had made a wonderful life and he will surely be miss.
Ryan, I am so sorry for this tragedy. I hope you know that I am with you.
RJ was a great guy.I know myself and my friends have shared some funny, crazy and good times with him and his friends…Like a group trip to sun river back in the day or when the first time little Koda had a little accident in my apartment…Ill always remember the times I hung out with him in Eugene. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
I spent 3 wonderful years of my childhood at Toutle Lake Elementary- and as I searched tonight looking for ways to contact my long, lost group of friends, I came across this. RJ was such a funny, athletic, CUTE kid we all had a crush on him. To his family and the community that has grown with him, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Even after all these years you are all still in my heart. May God be with you in this time of need.
Marcia, I’ve been your friend for over 40 years and a better, loving, caring Mother, to your kids the world has never known. Still, months later I pray for you and the family to find your way through this. I know your hurting. I know you miss him. But you can be proud about so many things and accomplishments R.J. did with your help. Marcia, your not alone. We all love you and we are all still here for you. All the people that signed this book. Please call us.
Wishing strength now and during the many trying times ahead. Share and celebrate the good times and smile.
Dearest Marcia and family,
I am so sorry for your loss,
may the love of family and life help you through this extremely difficult time.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Mary Plachta
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. You all are in my thoughts & prayers.
ohn Brugman
RJ was a good man and he will be missed by many. I will always remember the good times. My heart goes out to the DePalo family.
Guestbook for
Robert Michael DePalo III