Joseph Pallotta

Joseph Pallotta, 78
SCARBOROUGH-- Joseph Pallotta passed away on May 12 at his home in Scarborough surrounded by his family as they prayed the Rosary for him. Joseph was born in Portland on Nov. 25, 1932; he was the son of Joseph Pallotta and Mary (Montefusco) Pallotta.
Joseph graduated from Portland High School in 1951. He joined the Navy in January 1952 and served until his discharge in December 1955. He served in the Korean Conflict on the USS Knapp DD653 and during his enlistment he travelled all over the world. This was one of the most special times in his life. Upon his return from the Navy, he worked at Pallotta Oil Company, a family business.
In 1960 he married Concetta Risbara and they settled in Portland. Together they raised five children during their 47 years of marriage until her death in 2008. In 1970 he and his family moved to Scarborough and founded Regina of the Point Greenhouse, where he taught all of his children how to plant and garden. He continued his teaching with his grandchildren and everyone went to 'Gramp' for their gardening questions! He will always be remembered for his love of gardening, his home contained many beautiful gardens. He did not have green thumbs, he had green hands.
Joe was also a very accomplished artist and he could always be found with a sketch pad in hand. He made beautiful posters and signs for grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family as well as for friends birthdays and special occasions. One of his dying wishes was for the children who received signs to bring one of their favorites for display at his celebration at St. Max.
Joe was a train enthusiast and a member of the 470 Railroad Club; he could always be found at a train station or crossing taking pictures. One of his most proud moments was when he wrote and published the book Union Station Remembered. Joe loved learning and reading books, especially any books on history; his favorite period was WWII. He would spend hours talking and teaching on the subject with his family. Joe also loved old cars, he used to reminisce about his 1956 Chevy that he purchased brand new and how he wished he could have it back!
Joe spent many years caring for his wife at Pine Point Nursing Home and after she passed away, he continued visiting and became a much loved volunteer.
Joe will be missed by so many people. He was very outgoing and made friends easily. He will be sadly missed by family, especially his children and grandchildren.
Joe was pre-deceased by his parents; brother Gerald and his youngest son, Stephen.
He is survived by his children, MaryJo Densmore, husband Dave; Catherine Koenig, husband Peter; Joseph Pallotta, wife Jennifer; Christopher Pallotta, wife Ellen and daughter-in-law Diane Pallotta all of Scarborough
Grandchildren: Alexander, Allyson, Jonathan, Samantha, Ryan, Sarah, Jacob, Katelyn and Megan, his sisters, Anna Paolilli, husband Rudy, Joanne Williams, husband John, Gloria Pollard, husband Bill; and sister-in-law Dorothy Pallotta; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held at Independent Death Care, 660 Brighton Avenue, Portland on Monday, May 16, from 3 to 7 p.m. Prayers will be recited 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, May 17, 2010, at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at St. Maxmillian Kolbe Roman Catholic Church, 150 Black Point Rd., Scarborough. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in South Portland
To offer words of condolence to the family, sign a guest book and share memories, go to the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to VNA Home Health Care or American Cancer Society
Joseph Pallotta