Joseph J. Pallazola

June 11, 1928 - January 20, 2022

SAN DIEGO — Joseph Pallazola “Joe Pal”, 93, died peacefully at his home in San Diego with his wife Carol and his sister-in-law Linda Dennis at his side.

Joe was born in Gloucester, MA, on June 11, 1928, to Gaspar and Grace (Nicastro) Pallazola. A graduate of St. Ann High School, he enjoyed singing and acting in church (choir) and community productions (Cape Ann Theater Guild). He also directed and acted in many shows for St Ann Parish in the ’60s.

As a teenage self-taught musician, he played with several local bands and soon formed his own group –“The Joe Pal Quartet.” They played at many North Shore restaurants, lounges, clubs, and hundreds of weddings and family events.

Besides music, Joe worked a variety of jobs, including: fishing with his grandfather, father, uncles, and cousins, fish cutting and instructing and Joe Kyrouz Meat Market where he used his ability to speak Sicilian to many customers.

The last job helped him support his growing family (7 children).

Upon his relocation to San Diego, having been involved with the AFM musician’s union (president of 324 Gloucester local), he joined Local 325 in San Diego and became president in 1986-1995.

These were problematic years, but under Joe’s leadership, the Local became financially stable. He also remodeled the building several times and updated the phone and computer systems.

During that time, he played with many talented and special musicians (too many to mention) as a sideman or leader. After his retirement from the presidency, Joe continued to play gigs. His last gig was at a nursing home on December 22, 2021, where he was older than most of the residents!

As a faithful Catholic, Joe became very involved at St. Mary Magdalene Church in San Diego. He was a lector and a daily mass attendee where he led the Rosary for 35 years and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy for the last 25 years and held a prayer group at his home for over 40 years. He and his wife Carol and friends formed a group called the Divine Mercy Movement of San Diego. They promoted the devotion for 25 years and sponsored 23 conferences, some having more than 1000 attendees. He wanted everyone to know how merciful our Lord is.

In the 40 plus years that he lived in San Diego, Joe took many trips “back home” to visit family and friends (his wife worked for Delta Airlines). He always had his sax with him and played in church with his daughter Luann, local nursing homes, family parties, community concerts, senior center jam sessions, and of course, sitting in with his life-long buddy Herb Pomeroy, who had his first paid job with Joe (for $6 each).

He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus (council 215) and became Grand Knight. As an active member of the BPO Elks Lodge 892, he became Exalted Ruler; He remained an Elks member upon his arrival in San Diego. He reached over 65 years membership.

Joe Pal was a warm, loving, kind, funny, talented man who made an impression on all who met him. We will all miss him, especially his beautiful smile!

In addition to his wife Carol (Newell) Pallazola, Joseph is survived by his children Gaspar “Gap” Pallazola (Patricia) of Ipswich, MA, Michael Pallazola (Patricia) of Gloucester and Lucy “Luann” Pallazola of Gloucester; grandchildren Steven Curcuru, Erin Pallazola, Megan Pallazola, Christina Kalinowski, Alicia Tarr, Yvette Pallazola, and Michael Pallazola Jr.; great-grandchildren, Julia, Gray, and Gaspar Njoroge, Fern Kalinowski, Alexis Lafontant.

Joe is also survived by his brother Vincent Pallazola (Jane) of Gloucester, sister Maryann Fittro of Gloucester, sister-in-law Linda Dennis (Lloyd “LD”) of the Villages in Florida, brother-in-law Dana Newell (Cindy) also of the Villages. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by former wife Grace (Catania) Veerman, sons Peter P. Pallazola, Joseph J. Pallazola, Christopher J. Pallazola, and daughter Sara Jean Tarr.

He was also predeceased by his in-laws, William C. and Esther Newell, and brothers-in-law Francis Fittro and William E Newell.

A Funeral Mass will take place in San Diego February 19 at 11 am at St Mary Magdalene 1945 Illion St. Rosary, and Chaplet of Divine Mercy will precede the Mass at 10 am. Due to Covid restrictions, a Celebration of Life will take place at a future date.

Burial services will take place in Gloucester, MA, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Memorials on Eden Hill https://www. memorialsonedenhill. org/donate (Supports the Marians to spread the message of Divine Mercy and devotion to Mary) or Holy Family Parish (St. Ann Church), 74 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930. Please sign the Guest Book online obituaries.sandiegouniontribune.com