John Paletta Jr., 96, passed into the next life on June 18, 2021, in Delran, N.J., after a long and very full existence.
Born in Clarksville, Pa., in 1924, John spent his young life in Southwestern Pennsylvania and Northern New Jersey before settling to raise his family in Carmichaels, Pa. His story is one of service. He honorably took up arms for his country as a B-25 gunner in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Later in life, as he set up roots in Carmichaels, Pa., he would serve his chosen hometown on the Borough Council for nearly four decades; striving to improve the quality of life and the pride of his neighbors. As a man of faith, he also was humbled to lead and serve his spiritual community at the Greene Valley Presbyterian Church.
John was a man who appreciated both intellect and hard work. He was employed for many years by Nationwide Insurance before entering into the car business with his younger brother Frank, opening Paletta Ford. His passion for automobiles would follow him long after retirement, as he could often be found talking shop in his nephew’s local garage well into his 90s. It was one of his many passions. He loved music. On any given day, a passerby would be greeted by the sounds of Sinatra or other classic singers drifting from his home. He loved movies. It was a love affair that began as a teenager working at the Paramount Theatre in Patterson, N.J. He loved sports. He found joy in supporting not only the professional Pittsburgh teams, but his alma mater Syracuse University and the alma maters of his family, Penn State University, the University of Pittsburgh, West Virginia University and Waynesburg University.
John was a fixture in his community and the surrounding area. He could always be found around town either having a meal at the Hartley Inn or Dolfi’s, sharpening his mind at the Flenniken Library, buying a lotto ticket or watching the comings and goings from his porch on South Market Street.
But of all the things that defined John, it was his love and devotion to his family that surpassed all else. He was a dedicated husband to his wife Helen, who preceded him into the next life in 1986. He leaves behind his three daughters, Marilynn, Lori and Rochelle; his sons-in-law, Jerome and Mark; his grandchildren, Matthew, Jason, Christina, John-Glen and Angelina; and his great-grandchildren, Zealand, Lily, Karis, Callan and Noah. His warmth, steadiness and wisdom enriched all of their lives and helped define the people they have become.
His family is comforted knowing that John is now at peace and reunited with his wife Helen; sons-in-law, David and Dan; grandson, Daniel; sister, Rosemary; brother, Frank; beloved parents Mary and John Sr.; and all those who reside in the next life.
Viewings will be held at Lesako Funeral Home in Carmichaels, Pa., from 6-8 p.m., Sunday, June 27, and from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 28. The evening viewing on Monday will include a special service from the Masonic Lodge. Funeral services will be held at the Greene Valley Presbyterian Church, at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, June 29, followed by a burial at the Laurel Point Cemetery and a lunch back at the church.
The family appreciates your love and support, whether through flowers, shared memories or a donation which will be gifted to a community cause important to John.
