Joseph John Palmeri

Joseph John Palmeri died peacefully in Redmond, Oregon on April 2nd, 2025 at the age of 73. Born in the Bronx, New York on February 17, 1952 to Angela and Salvatore Palmeri, he is survived by his significant other Laurie and Graesan Scott, Diane Kurz, Kathleen Palmeri, Jennifer, Mia, and Adara Palmeri, and Joseph, June, and Anthony Palmeri. Owner of the Westside Shell on Galveston for 34 years, he was known for reputable car service. He worked late into the evening, often saving travelers from their car trouble emergencies. He could fix anything from a semi-truck to an RV to any rare car. His enthusiasm for cars lives on, especially in the legacy he gifts the community. Joe Senior handed down his automotive expertise after mentoring many aspiring auto mechanics eager to learn the trade, especially to his son, current owner of Northgate Automotive in Bend.
"Poppa Joe" was loving and caring in nature, a sincere listener, and had a goofy sense of humor. His storytelling came to life, especially with intonations, a twinkle in his eye, and the fervent motions made with passionate hand gestures. New York Sicilian style. Celebrating his Italian heritage, he made the best antipasto, lasagna, and pasta sauce with meatballs for the holidays. His hobbies included gardening, cooking, fishing, muscle cars, home projects, and quality family time. Most mornings, if he was not at "the station," you could find him working in his beautifully designed back yard filled with roses, strawberries, and a great variety of greenery. He was a natural green thumb for all of his life and cultivated a garden constantly. Priceless and unique still stands the gorgeous two-story A-frame log cabin and greenhouse he built with Diane, mother of Jennifer and Joseph, in La Pine, Oregon. That was after leaving New York in his youth and driving across the country with Diane in his 1971 Hemi orange Plymouth Roadrunner. Music-wise, he loved listening to sixties and seventies music such as the Beatles, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Jimi Hendrix. "Jelly" was the name of his band. Additionally, he played the drums in a marching band in high school and also played drums while marching in Macy's day parade. Some of his favorite places included Joshua Tree and Redondo Beach.
As a spouse, son, brother, father, grandfather, cousin, mechanic, mentor, and friend, he will be remembered for the way he made one feel–loved. He now reunites with his parents in the heavens. Joseph John, we love you and we will see you in the sky. But, for now, dad you got a pending visit with Jimi:
"Excuse me while I kiss the sky."--Jimi Hendrix