Gavin James Palo

Gavin James Palo, age 23, of Rochester, NY, suddenly & tragically passed away on Saturday, February 28th, 2026.

Born on April 20th, 2002 in Rochester NY to Jason Palo (Courtney Panek) and Anna Valeria (Paul Schramm). Gavin grew up in Scottsville and later attended Churchville Chili High School where he played baseball year round. He enjoyed being on the varsity team and playing travel ball every summer with his “Churchville Baseball Family”. He later pursued a career in fundraising at Open Door Mission where he stayed employed for the past 5 years.

Gavin had a lifelong passion for baseball, country music, live concerts, the City of Chicago, and all Chicago sports teams. He would regularly be seen in his Chicago Bears or Chicago Cubs apparel. He loved his family, sports podcast, The Yak, fishing, and small town living.

He is survived by his siblings; brother/best friend Troy Palo, Tera Milazzo, Brynlee Palo, Elizabeth Iseman, and Rhys Palo. Beloved grandparents; John (Michelle) Palo and Roz (Bob) Valeria. Beloved cousins; Ava Palo, Aiden Schmalfuss, Owen Palo, Alex Valeria, Jaxson Schmalfuss, Brody Palo, Norah Palo, and McKenzie Schmalfuss. Beloved aunts and uncles; John Jr. (Shonna) Palo, Jesse (Shannon) Valeria and Amy (Matthew) Schmalfuss. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert J. Valeria.

Friends are invited to call Thursday, March 12th at 4-7PM at Union Presbyterian Church in Scottsville, NY.

His funeral service will follow at 11AM on Friday, March 13th at Calvary Assembly of God in Chili, NY.

Gavin’s love of baseball was one of the great joys of his life, and he took pride in supporting young athletes who shared that same passion. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund is being created for a graduating baseball player from Churchville-Chili High School. Donations may be sent to Courtney Panek, 45 Chili Avenue, Scottsville, NY 14546.