Joseph J.

Palermo

Joseph J. Palermo of Lake Tahoe, Nevada, passed away on November 6, 2024 at the age of 98 years. At the time of his passing, he was comforted in Edgewater, New Jersey by his loving family.

Joe was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.  He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Philomena and survived by his 7 children: Joseph, Mark, Greg, Elisa (Angelo Ferraro), Doug, Gary (Jacky), and Phyllis (John Mc Cormick).

Born on September 12, 1926 in Hudson County New Jersey, Joseph was the eldest son of Joseph Sr. and Elizabeth Palermo and brother to George, Irene (Hennelly) and Helene (Mastro) who have all preceded him in death.  He is presently survived by his 13 grandchildren:  Nicholas and Keith, sons of Greg Palermo and Barbara Judge; Marissa and Stephen, daughter and son of Elisa and Angelo Ferraro; Elise and Danielle, daughters of Phyllis and John McCormick; Giana, daughter of Douglas Palermo; Nicholas and Christian, sons of Gary and Jacky Palermo; Jennika, daughter of Meaow and Joseph Palermo; and Joseph, Michael, and Robert sons of Barbara Jordan and Joseph Palermo; and 3 great grandchildren: Everett, Landon, and Boden, sons of Marissa and Ben Grubb.

Joe will always be remembered for his dedication to his family, teaching career, and coaching    He applied the principles of teaching and education to all aspects of his life.  He presented himself as a calm, intelligent, and respectful person; however, those who knew him well, were familiar with his witty humor, tireless energy, and his pursuit of excellence.

Joe spent his early years in Hoboken, New Jersey. He attended Demarest High School (now Hoboken High) and played baseball and basketball.  Following High School, he served in the army and later attended St. Michael's College in Vermont where he earned a bachelor's and master's degree in teaching and history. In addition to his studies, Joe also pitched for St. Michael's baseball team.

After Joe completed college, he married Philomena and settled into suburban New Jersey to raise 7 children.  At this time, he also began his teaching in the Hoboken School District and  coached high school baseball and basketball.  Later, he moved on to coach men and women's college basketball for St. Peter's College, Kean College, St. Cecilia's, Pace University, and Long Island University. He coached Naismith Hall of Famers and was later honored in the Hudson's Sports Hall of Fame along with many other accolades.

In his retirement years, Joe finally slowed down to spend time with his family at his home in Lake Tahoe, but he still could not resist an opportunity to pitch baseballs, shoot hoops, or engage in a teaching moment with the grandkids.

Rest in Peace Coach, you will be missed...