We are heartbroken to announce that at 10:00am this morning, Kreg took his final breath. It was an excruciating end and his body fought tirelessly as we watched him gasp for air over the course of 9 hours. Today’s fight was proceeded by two weeks of battling pneumonia and chronic pain, all without being able to communicate with us because of difficulties with ALS. It was a traumatizing end and we are all relieved it’s over.
We are spending this weekend with close family, but will be hosting a Celebration of Life for Kreg at a later date. As soon as we decide the date and venue we will share it far and wide so that everyone that Kreg touched and everyone who touched Kreg can come celebrate his bravery, spirit, and love.
In lieu of flowers and food (but not booze, we accept booze. sorry dad), we hope you’ll consider a donation to either the ALS Association of Rhode Island to assist families like ours with their expenses, or to ALS Therapy Development Institute who focuses exclusively on finding a cure. Both are very necessary and worthy causes.
- The ALS Association Rhode Island Chapter, 2374 Post Road, Suite 103, Warwick, RI 02886 or can be made online at: www.alsari.org
- The ALS Therapy Development Institute: https://www.als.net/donate
Thank you for all your kind words and support, we are feeling so loved and know Kreg will live on through all of us.
I’m so very sorry to hear. Palko family, my thoughts are with you all.
Dear Elizabeth,
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Laura
On behalf of the entire ALS RI Chapter and all the patients and families we serve, I want to extend my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the entire Palko family. I felt it was an honor to know Kreg and know that countless others share the same sentiment. He was a leader in the battle against ALS as he was in service to our country. Kreg taught us that our fight against ALS must not just continue, but must be increased. John Pagliarini, President, ALS RI Chapter
To the Palko Family,
I heard the sad news today that Kreg had passed. I still want to think this is all just a bad dream. He was a great boss and mentor. He truly loved his family and life. He had such a calm demeanor and was very thoughtful and kind. He will be missed. To Elizabeth and her children, you all have such incredible strength. Kreg was extremely lucky to have you all.
We grieve with you. You have gone through so much and have been a tremendous testimony of family love and compassion. All our love and prayers, and look forward to being with you on the 21st.
Elizabeth, Kyle and Gabby- my heart breaks for you and you are all in my thoughts and prayers. It was an honor working for him at East Bay. He was the best boss-he knew when things were tough in my life outside of work and always made time to check in with me. I will remember the strong, handsome, caring man forever and know that he touched so many lives.
Elizabeth, Miss Goo, and Peanut:
Kreg was an amazing human who loved you all dearly. He was very blessed to have family who loved him so much in return…to his very last breath. May you find strength and healing in your memories.
Michelle, Aytanah (Boo), and Mylah
Family. Courage. Fortitude. Resilience. Creativity. Compassion. Palko.
Elizabeth, Kyle and Gabby.. may you find peace in your loving memories. Kreg was a man of energy, love, compassion and integrity. I am honored to have had him as my “boss”, my mentor, my colleague..but must of all my friend. I will miss his smile, his encouragement and his support. You are in my prayers.
To the Palko Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. While I only had the opportunity to meet Kreg once over the past two years, I can tell you his impression is lasting at Southern New England Surgery Center. He was loved by our surgeons, staff and Constitution family. May Kreg rest in peace with the Lord.
Dear Elizabeth
I am so sorry to hear about Kreg’s passing. He truly was an exceptional human being. And what an amazing job the 2of you did in raising your children. To see them all grown up is mind-boggling to me because I still picture them as little kids in the white stucco house on Thelma Drive in San Antonio. I will keep all of you in my prayers. Elizabeth, I am in awe of you because of how dedicated you were in caring for Kreg’s….a true love story. I cried when I read about.his passing in Gabby’s post, and I have not seen y’all in over a decade. I had read all of the posts on the family website. My heart is heavy for you and your children. -Ann Marie Winn
My heart goes out to you. A good man taken from us way too soon. May this Falcon soar above us…
So sorry for your loss, Gabby, Kyle and Elizabeth. We will be praying for your family!
Love you Palko’s. Sharing in your mourning, but also treasuring so many great memories. Kreg was a great man and a great friend! God Bless your family.