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Joseph Talamo Obituary
Joseph Michael, 87, of North Canton, OH formerly a 42-year resident of Hillsdale passed away on September 4, 2014. Joseph was born on March 23, 1927 in West New York, NJ to his predeceased parents, Joseph and Frances (Esposito) Talamo. Joseph was a teacher at Pascack Valley High School from 1955-1982, where he coached track and football. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Rosemarie (Conti) Talamo in 2004; his daughter, Judith Talamo; his sisters, Rita Talamo, Angela Leccese, Sophie Loschiavo, Anna Pipitone and Marie Colangelo and his brother, Charles Talamo. Joseph is survived by his son, Joseph Talamo and his wife Laura; his daughter, Joanne Donnamaria and her husband Dave; his grandchildren, Joseph Talamo and his wife Christy, Robert and Christopher Talamo, Sara and Vanessa Donnamaria. Visiting hours will be held on Friday September 12th from 4-8pm at the Becker Funeral Home, www.becker-funeral home.com, 219 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood, NJ with a funeral service on Friday evening at 7pm. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on Saturday at 10am before the interment service at 11:15am at Madonna Cemetery, Fort Lee, NJ.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Talamo
Sponsored by Jeffrey Newman.
Dana and Karen Licata
September 21, 2014
May you rest in peace and eternal light shine upon you dear uncle Joe. Seeing you always warmed my heart, you looked just like my treasured Nani. Love from my heart to yours. Wishing all your loved ones comfort, healing and peace. Blessings and love always.
September 15, 2014
Joe Talamo gave me many things, not the least of which was the opportunity to attend college. His ferocious, relentless competitiveness touched all who played or ran for him; he had to know he was shaping lives. One enduring memory: 440 yard "windsprints" on a cinder track in full pads (of course). After that, anything in life was possible. Thank you, Coach.
Jon Keates, Pasadena, California
Doug Woodin
September 13, 2014
Coach Talamo set the foundation for my 33 years as an educator and coach. the 'Pursuit of Excellence' was instilled in us by coach Talamo. There is no greater gift that can be bestowed upon the students of a great mentor. As in all great men, Coach's greatest attribute was his empathy - what a great heart! Peace!
Mary Ann Pieshala
September 13, 2014
Joe Talamo was one of the first Athletic directors in Bergen County to help with the acceptance of Interscholastic sports for girls. Without his encouragement and positive words, we would have been delayed in the beginning of the Bergen County Women Coaches Association. Thanks to this kind man and sincere condolences to his family.
Joan Papay Stalb
September 12, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Joseph, Joanne and the entire Talamo family. A family man, coaching legend, teacher, mentor and a sensitive person with a gift of remembering everyone he had ever met... what a remarkable journey he had! May memories comfort you in this time of sadness and loss.
Ralph Rush
September 11, 2014
I was in the 8th grade sitting on the front steps of George G. White Elementary School looking out over the lawn at the ball field across the way when a man came out of the doors behind me. He began to speak with tongue in cheek and determination in his eyes and said, "I hear you can run pretty fast." Not knowing who the man was, I said, "Yes, I can." That yes I can brought a stop watch from his pocket and he said to me, "Let's see what you can do." From that day on, he challenged, scolded and taught me how to be the best that I could possibly be. That drive and the intended goals set forth in his teachings are still very much part of my life today. God bless you Coach Talamo! John 14:12
Jocelyn Jones
September 11, 2014
Dear Joe,
I would like to express my sincere condolences on the recent passing of your father. Please pass my deepest sympathies on to your family members and know that you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Much Love & Respect,
JJ
September 11, 2014
We have such wonderful memories that Coach Talamo was a part of. Our sympathies to his family he was truly loved by so many
Bob and Barbara Bonnett
George Sherman
September 11, 2014
We were so sorry to hear this! Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joe Jr., Joanne and all of Joe's family. Besides being a coaching legend, he was a wonderful man with a huge heart. I was so blessed to have had him as a friend and mentor with the Hillsdale Rec program so many years ago. Rest in peace, Joe. Thanks so much for all you have given to so many.
Carmine Iadarola
September 10, 2014
Mr. Talamo was one of the most important figures in my young life and he set me on a track to help me be a man. His presence was felt by many in my class, men and women, and went way beyond the athletic field. May he rest in peace.
Jeffrey Newman
September 10, 2014
I was privileged beyond words to have had the remarkable Joe Talamo as my coach. The same could be said by many of my classmates and, indeed, by seemingly countless generations of PVHS students. He touched, and changed, our lives for the better. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Ed Laakso
September 9, 2014
My thoughts go out to the family. Coach Talamo was a huge positive influence in so many of our lives. He gave many of us the tools we needed to succeed. His devotion, skills and ability to motivate youth led to his success, not only as a coach, but as a role model. He will be missed.
Peter D'Angelo
September 9, 2014
It was an honor to have worked closely with Joe. As the high school band director at Pascack Valley ('71 - '78) I received much assistance with Joe for the necessary room to practice for the football games. If I ever needed help Joe was always there. He was always a gentleman and a good friend. RIP Joe.
Judy Hardardt
September 9, 2014
Joe Talamo made a difference. I hope he knew that.
Judy Hogrelius Hardardt (Class of '56)
Joe Langran
September 9, 2014
My condolences go out to Joe Talamo's family and friends. In my mind, they don't come any better than Coach Talamo. He was always a step or two ahead of his peers, and as a result, many of us were better athletes because of it. I, for one, was the beneficiary of this forward thinking and innovative coach, and for that, I shall always be grateful.
Tony Baratta
September 9, 2014
Coach was both a great coach and a great mentor regardless of whether you were on a team or not. I guess he's needed in Heaven now to help out. Thank you Coach for all you gave us and taught us.
Linda Cotrone Mullin
September 9, 2014
Mr. Joe Talamo is such an amazing man. So sorry for the lose to his family and friends. One thing I know, he loves the Lord and is rejoicing with all those who went before him! He will be remembered for all the kindness and love he extended to so many. Blessings and prayers of love, comfort, and peace.
Joanne Boland-Ramella
September 9, 2014
We have all been so blessed to have had known Joe Talamo. I loved working with both your parents at summer camp in my youth, always greeted him in his office as my locker was right there and would always see both Mr. and Mrs Talamo at the Seville Diner having breakfast in the mornings in more recent years. Both of them touched so many lives. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Joanne Boland-Ramella
John Roth
September 9, 2014
Coach Talamo's willingness to take a chance on me in 1955 effectively changed the rest of my life for the better. I'm forever in his debt.
Don Doolittle
September 8, 2014
I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. It is with a heavy heart that I extend my condolences to Joe's son, Joseph, daughter Joanne and families. I have known Joe since 1956 when he became recreation director of Hillsdale. I was twelve. From that time on I worked for Joe in the day camp system until I was 37. Joe was a father figure to me. I was in his company more often than my own father. Of course knowing Joe helped me get hired as a teacher at Pascack Valley. I wanted to teach health education and Pascack Valley needed a health education teacher. Joe gave me that opportunity. Joe was one of the great coaches in New Jersey with a record in football and track of 242 victories, 6 losses, and 2 ties. In 1960 Sports Illustrated ranked Pascack Valley the number 1 high school football team in the country. Joe had a humorous side but many times he was unaware of the humor. His "Talamo-isms" are well known. I think he has more than Yogi. My favorite is "The proof of the pudding comes out in the wash." Of course the is the "vanilla envelope," the "coffee urinal," "Kitty corner," and many many more. God bless you Joe.
Bill Laakso
September 8, 2014
thanks Coach Talamo for giving your all--for all of us.
September 8, 2014
My condolences to the Talamo family. I was a friend of your mom as well as a student at Pascack Valley. He will be well remembered as a great coach and teacher.
Nancy Offenheiser Denoble)
Pat Panella Fullam
September 8, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kenneth Walbrecht
September 8, 2014
Coach Talamo was a special friend, great motivator and one you could count on as he always prepared me and told the truth! I played for him at running back in 1959-60! I remember his stength in motivating his team! I transferred from an all boys high school St. Joseph's HS , West New York, NJ to Pascack Valley Regional Hs, Hillsdale, NJ! Coach Talamo knew where ai had come from and knew I could provide inspiration to our team! One day we were scheduled to play Weehawkin, NJ a team near where I grew up! I remember Coach Talamo asking me to explain to my fellow teamates what kind of team we were going against! A team that played on a dirt, clay based field, with rocks and all over the Lincoln Tunnel! He continued to say that the,other tean said our team were born with silver spoons in our mouths and were going down! The Pascack Valley team took his advice, played the game and won 50-7!! We had. great year as did many other teams who followed! The point I am trying to make is that Coach Talamo was a really great man, coach, motivator and took interest in all his players, looked at what they could offer the team! I could go on at what he did and we did to make his TEAM better!! Coach Talamo was the BEST! Loved him so much!! Truly a very inspirational, kind, caring and good person! RIP Coach Talamo! :(
Bob Cosmai
September 8, 2014
My prayers and condolences for the entire Talamo family. Coach Talamo had a profound effect on me as a student, athlete and person. I will never forget him. We were all blessed to have Joe in our life. Bob Cosmai (The Villages, Florida)
Geri Payne-Ramos
September 8, 2014
To Joanne, Joe & the Talamo family:
My family has many wonderful memories of your Dad, as well as of your beautiful mother Rosemary. They are together again RIP. You were so blessed to have such incredible role models for parents. I was very fortunate to have your Dad as my Phys.Ed teacher & after high school, catch up with him over the college breaks. My sister & I loved your Dad as a dear friend & role model ! God Bless him & may he travel to heaven's gate safely... Geri Payne-Ramos PV Class of 79
Gene Yogodzinski
September 8, 2014
Heartfelt condolences to the Talamo family for their loss.
September 8, 2014
A great coach, mentor, teacher. He was always supportive of me as a student and as a coach and teacher at Pascack Valley. joanne goldweber (Hillsdale, NJ)
Bill Hayes
September 8, 2014
Condolences to the Talamo family. Joe was truly a coaching legend.
Bill Hayes
Dwight Peck
September 7, 2014
Coach Talamo meant more for me and my life than anyone else I ever met. I'm sorry that I never tried to stay in touch with him over the many years, but I'm certain that he helped very many young people as much as he did me, and that they are all as grateful to him as I am.
Nancy Dundatscheck
September 7, 2014
Wow--loved the pics...made me think of both Jo, my classmate, and Joe...Such a wonderful man and family. Best wishes and prayers.
Claude Safner
September 7, 2014
I am so sorry
September 7, 2014
RIP Uncle Joey....You are a star in heaven watching down upon us. I will always have my childhood memories of the fun we had; my animal crackers that you tried to take from me and the wonderful summer vacation that I spent with you and Aunt Ro at the Jersey Shore. . Love you always.
Your niece "Frances"
Carol Onuschak
September 7, 2014
Although I only met you once or twice, you were a hero to all your family and friends. And, to my Aunt Annie, you were her handsome, baby brother, Joe. Loved by all in life and hereafter. Rest in Peace in Football Heaven! Football hero!!
Diana LecceseLicataSchrak
September 7, 2014
You will be missed dear UNClE Joey by all of your nieces and nephews. You are the last of the Talamo Elders. GOD peace be with you.
September 7, 2014
My sympathies to the Talamo family. Your father left his mark on so many of us from Pascack Valley. As a freshman at Pascack he asked me what sport I was going to play. I said I hadnt decided between track or baseball. He said, aren't you a football player? football players run track in the spring." I ran track.
The football practices he attended my senior year and his inspirational half time talk in the Riverdell game is legendary.
It was my privilege to have been under his influence.
Dave Eickhorst '66
Paul Garbarini
September 7, 2014
No Pascack Valley Student truly ever lived until they took Drivers Ed with Mr. Talamo! He showed me what that horn was really made for! A helluva coach and a helluva nice guy.
Paul Garbarini
PVHS '79
Northampton, MA
September 7, 2014
You were such a large part of our lives for so many years. Your teachings will be long remembered. Rest in Peace Joe.
Susan & Ken Harrison
John Warren
September 7, 2014
R.I.P. Coach!! You will be missed!
Ed Berger
September 7, 2014
Joe, I have such fond memories of your Dad, not to mention all the great times we had in school. He had such positive energy and was a real tribute to the community. Our thoughts are with you and your entire family. Ed and Marcy Berger (now in MD)
Robert Oggenfuss
September 7, 2014
You will be missed by many. R.I.P Joe for you were a inspiration to all of us.
John Warren
September 7, 2014
R.I.P. Coach!
Kelly, Michele, Jane and Mike Bailey
September 7, 2014
So sorry to see you go, Mr. Talamo. Our thoughts are with you and your family. ??
mark mehler
September 7, 2014
Every year we started football season with the "famous" Joe Talamo first meeting speech. Our senior year, Joe ran a little late. AL Mangini was in the middle of giving us his rendition (complete with voice, phrasing, and body) when Coach Talamo walked into the gym.. After a terrifying moment of silence, a huge smile crossed his face as he made Al complete his proformance I am. We laughed until we could laugh no more. (He made Al repeat the impersonation several times that year). He was a class act that set the tone for a great department that impacted many young men. Rip Mr Talamo.
Timothy OReilly,Sr
September 7, 2014
A Hillsdale legend . Prayers for his family.
Bill Eickhorst
September 7, 2014
Rest in peace Joe - you gave so much to so many! Your positive influence on our lives will always be remembered.
- Bill Eickhorst PVRHS class of 1959
Robin Payne
September 6, 2014
I will always remember that smile he used to show me whether on the field or in the classroom. I truly adored him. He wrote the most remarkable letter of recommendation for my college entrance that set the tone for my career. I will forever be grateful. I am just one of many PV students he touched and made a difference. I know he is at peace now with Rosemary and his friends. My thoughts and prayers go out to Joanne and Joe and their families. Love you Mr. T!
Fiedler Family
September 6, 2014
We are sorry for the loss of you Dad, Granddad, and father-in-law. May the peace that passes understanding comfort you during this season of loss.
Kevin Murphy
September 6, 2014
A great man, father,grandfather, neighbor, mentor, coach and teacher. He meant so much to so many may he RIP. He is certainly in a better place with family and friends who went before him! My love goes out to my special friend Joanne and her family and Joe and his family! Our faith promises us we will be together again in heaven and Mr. T will be waiting patiently for the family reunion along side Rosemary!
September 6, 2014
God Bless, Coach Joe.
Maureen Burke Chadwick, Doylestown, PA
Eric Cooper
September 6, 2014
You were a coach, mentor and teacher. Your legacy is the memories thousands of Pascack Valley High School alumni. You touched many lives.
William Loschmann
September 6, 2014
God bless your family and all the fond memories,experiencesand life lessons you have passed on to me God bless you coach!
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