Joseph Anthony Palazzolo, 72, passed away Thursday, February 21, 2019 due to a rare form of Parkinson’s, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Joe was born in Chicago, IL on June 9, 1946. He attended Elmwood Park High School and Northern Illinois University where he met his wife Kim. They celebrated 48 years of marriage on January 23, 2019. Together they raised a son Aaron Palazzolo; and daughter Lisa (Palazzolo) Tartaglia in Fort Lauderdale, FL where they lived for 40 years before retiring to The Villages, FL in January 2017.
Joe served honorably as a US Army sniper in Vietnam where he was gravely injured in a firefight on May 13, 1969. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his bravery on that night.
Joe enjoyed an adventurous life of sports, snorkeling, lobster diving, boating, traveling, wine collecting and motorcycling on his Harley Davidson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years Kim; son Aaron Palazzolo and daughter-in-law Urmilla with granddaughters Ava, and Gia; daughter Lisa (Palazzolo) Tartaglia and son-in-law Marco with grandsons Luca, and Matteo. Joe has two loving siblings Larry Palazzolo with wife Beth and Darice (Palazzolo) Gooch with husband Rick; sister-in-law Nancy Palazzolo with partner Howard, and brother-in-law Greg Davis with wife Chris. Joe enjoyed the love of numerous nieces, nephews and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Bertha Palazzolo; and his younger brother John.
Graveside service with honors will be Monday, March 11, 2019 10:00 AM at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Memorial service will follow at 12:00 PM at HIERS-BAXLEY Funeral & Cremation Life Event Center, 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL 32162.
