Background
Palumbo, Mario Joseph was born on April 13, 1933 in New York City, New York, United States. Son of Jack and Nancy (Alfonso) Palumbo.
attorney general lawyer officer politician
Palumbo, Mario Joseph was born on April 13, 1933 in New York City, New York, United States. Son of Jack and Nancy (Alfonso) Palumbo.
He graduated cum laude from Morris Harvey College in 1954, where he was student body president and recipient of the Liston Award for excellence in scholarship, character and athleticism, which was awarded to him during the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Basketball Tournament. In 1957, he graduated from the West Virginia University College of Law.
In 1958, he joined the law firm of Woodroe, Kizer & Steed (now Kay, Casto & Chaney PPL). Palumbo served as a legal officer with the West Virginia Air National Guard and retired in 1981 with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was elected to the West Virginia Senate in 1968 and served five consecutive terms, being re-elected in 1972, 1976, 1980 and 1984.
During his tenure in the Senate, he served as chairman of the Committee on Education from 1971 to 1972 and as chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary from 1973 to 1980.
In 1990, Palumbo was elected attorney general to complete the unexpired term of his predecessor, Charlie Brown. In 1992, he ran for governor of West Virginia, running third in the Democratic Primary, behind then-Governor Gaston Caperton and then-State Senator Charlotte Pritt.
Past president Kanawha County Young Democratic Club. Member West Virginia State Democratic Committee Served as lieutenant colonel West Virginia Air National Guard, retired. Member American Bar Association, West Virginia Bar Association, Order of Coif, Exchange Club (president 1969), Tennis Club (Charleston).
Married Louise Corey, May 10, 1969. Children: Christopher, Corey Lee.