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Gerald Palaia Obituary
AGE: 93 • Neptune
Gerald G. Palaia, age 93, of Neptune, died Sunday, July 13, 2014 at the Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Born in Neptune, Jerry was a lifelong resident of the Jersey Shore. He graduated from Neptune High School class of 1938 and attended Rider College graduating June 1942. He was a decorated Marine Corps veteran, attaining the rank of Major, who served in World War II during the battles of Guadalcanal, Okinawa and Guam. He dedicated his life's work to the field of education, retiring after 42 years of service, 32 of which were to the Long Branch School District as one of the exceptional school Principals who pioneered many of the educational innovations and practices currently in place in the district today. Jerry was a long time coach and sports enthusiast. While a coach at Jenkintown High School; he won two consecutive Pennsylvania State Basketball Championships. He was also an active leader in the NJ principals Association, Long Branch Shore YMCA and Monmouth County Boy Scouts.
He was predeceased by his wife of 50 over years, Marie Stout Palaia in 2003. He is survived by his brother Senator Joseph A. Palaia (R-11) ret. of Ocean Twp.; sister, Elizabeth Rosenstein of Ocean Twp.; daughter Jane Palaia of Oceanport; daughter Nancy Palaia of Oakhurst, daughter Susan Jarosiewicz and her husband Dave of Neptune; and two granddaughters Gianna Verdoni and Nicole Marie Daniele both of Ocean Twp. He was predeceased by Sister, Francis DeRosa 1961; three Brothers, George Palaia 2009, Ralph Palaia 2005 and Jimmy Palaia 1925.
Francioni, Taylor & Lopez is in charge of arrangements, 1200 10th and Atkins Ave, Neptune. Visitation will be Tues. July 15, 2014 from 6 to 8pm . Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers please make donation in his name to "Wounded Warrior Project" P.O.Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Palaia
joseph demarinis
July 10, 2019
A truly good man. Missed by all.
Garry Grant
July 20, 2014
My deepest sympathies on the passing of your father - I just found out from my Mom. He was a great guy and will be missed! Thinking of you and your family!
Melinda Gottschalk- Brennan
July 17, 2014
My deepest sympathies on the passing of your father. I have so many happy memories of spending time and sleeping over your house on Chapman Ave, your dad & mom were always so nice to me. Love & prayers to you Sue, Nancy, & Jane.
Eugene Somma
July 17, 2014
Gerry hired me as a teacher for the Gregory School. He made all feel that the school was family. Any family in need was taken care of in a very quiet way. He was a man possessing great compassion. He will be missed.
July 16, 2014
Jane, Gianna, Nancy and Susan,
What a tremendous loss for all of you. Our thought are with you.
Love,
Susan and Tory
Lynne Palaia
July 16, 2014
The Palaia family living in the Vancouver area of British Columbia are in thought together with the entire family at this time of the passing of another of the wonderful Palaia "boys". There is comfort in the thought that my Uncle Jerry is now reunited with my Dad (his brother Ralph) and so many other cherished Palaias who have gone before. We dearly love them all, as we love our New Jersey family.
Jacqueline Reddy
July 15, 2014
Jane and family, you have my deepest sympathy. From the obituary your father seamed like a wonderful and accomplish man. I know he will be greatly missed.
Hon. Robert Singer
July 15, 2014
Jane and Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your father, Gerald. Your father led an inspiring life: a decorated Veteran and patriot, an exceptional Educator, a dedicated family man and an involved civic leader who gave so much of himself to his nation, his community and his loved ones. I had the honor and distinct pleasure of serving in the Legislature with his brother, Joseph, and he often mentioned Gerald and his many remarkable achievements. But I am sure his greatest and most treasured accomplishment was his loving family, and most especially, his devoted daughters.
Jane, as a friend for many years, I know the wonderful and close bond you shared with your Dad, and I hope the many memories you are blessed to have, comfort you and stay with you always. He was a very great man, truly the best of the greatest generation, and may he rest forever in peace,
Joe DeMarinis
July 15, 2014
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. P. for about 6 years and I have made these observations. He loved his family and his 3 daughters above all else. He treated me as a member of the family and we had many delightful times discussing and debating professional sports teams and players. He also sided with me on a variety of topics from bread to politics which drove Jane nuts.He will be greatly missed.
cherise kaplan
July 15, 2014
Our sincerest condolences to Jane, Gianna and all of your family. May you be comforted by his honorable life of service and to your family. We send prayers of peace at this difficult time and love to all of you.
The Kaplan Family
Lorraine & Tom Hennessey
July 15, 2014
Jane: We wish to express our sympathy on the passing of your father. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you and your family.
July 15, 2014
We will miss you, uncle Jerry. We fondly remember you introducing us to home-made spaghetti, meatballs and sauce, your love of baseball and your driving Jane and me to the beach virtually everyday one summer. My sister Ellen and I spent many happy times in the Palaia home on Chapman avenue, with Aunt Marie, Uncle Jerry, Jane, Nancy and Susan, as well as many cats.
These are fond memories we will always carry with us.
With much love,
Jean and Ellen
Joann Corrigan
July 14, 2014
Susan & Dave, My Deepest Sympathy to you and your family at this very sad time. Your Dad was a very kind and gentle man (remembering him from the neighborhood - may he RIP. Wishing that all the Special Memories be in your Heart forever. Sending Prayers with Peace and Comfort your way.
Joann Corrigan - Coldwell Banker - 732-904-0679
ONE of "THE"
Herb USMC
July 14, 2014
Major of Marines
Herb USMC
July 14, 2014
Guadaicanal,Okinawa,and Guam
Herb USMC
July 14, 2014
WWII Veteran
Herb USMC
July 14, 2014
The Jones Family
July 14, 2014
We the Jones Family send you our deepest sympathies and condolences during this time.We are native Long Branchians and we will always remember seeing your Dad in the hallways. And again our sympathies.
Monique jones
July 14, 2014
Mr palaia was the principal when I was a little girl and that was 40 years ago just last year I spoke to a women you works for Long branch School District and mr palaia's name came up when she asked where I went to grammar and she asked who was the principal and I told her Mr.palaia she said she knew him and he had since retired. It was nice to hear that. I did not know the senator was his brother actually I mistaken the senator for him as a child but someone told no he was not that Mr. Palaia. R.I.P.. Stay strong family he lived a long life but a dad is still a dad no matter what age. Losing a parent is very hard for a child at any age.
Herb Guyer-Sharfenaker USMC
July 14, 2014
God Bless/RIP,to ALL who served in WWII. Thank YOU for your service,Maj.Palaia... And Semper Fidelis,Sir.
Glenn Kritch III
July 14, 2014
Hello Jane,
Your father will be in my prayers.
glenn kritch lll
Gail Oliver
July 14, 2014
To My Dear Friend Jane, Gianna (daughter), Senator Palaia (Uncle), and Family: Prayers of comfort go out to you during this time of sadness. Your dad was a wonderful person - evidence is in all of you !! In time, may you feel a sense of peace and understanding as you go thru this time - smile when you think of him and your mom with love, admiration, and gratitude.
July 14, 2014
We love you dad.
Eileen Day Cytryn
July 14, 2014
Dear "Joey" and Family, In honor of my parents, the late Tom and Betty Day, I send love to you from the entire Day family! I never knew your brother was in the SAME PLACES as our Dad in WWII!! I still have a ruler with your name on it. One of the Greatest Generation, Gerry is flying like Peter Pan to Heaven!! With love and respect,
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