John DePalma, 92, passed away on Wednesday, June 27th. Born in Molfetta, Italy, on January 25, 1926, John emigrated to the United States as an infant, settling with his parents in Hoboken. He was a lifelong Hoboken resident, except for a three-year apprenticeship in Portland, Oregon, where he learned the craft of making patterns for women’s coats and suits. John returned to the east coast and worked his way through a number of jobs in New York, finally settling at Harry Casper for two decades.
In his late 50’s, John gave up his commute to work at Alorna Coats in Hoboken, finally retiring at age 76. John was an avid baseball fan who could recall decades-old trivia about teams and players. John bowled with the Knights of Columbus for many years, loved to walk, and was active in Our Lady of Grace Church as a Cub Scout leader and costume designer for parish shows. As he approached retirement, he became an avid ballroom dancer.
John is survived by his three children, Angelo, Annette and Dan, and daughters-in-law Mary and Debryn, grandchildren Catherine, Nina, Claudia, Helen, Peter, Will, Chayse and Ava, and his newborn great-grandson, Rafael. He will also be mourned by his ex-wife Antoinette DePalma, and Rose Morales, his long-time friend and companion.
Visitation will be Friday, June 29th 2018, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a service at noon, at The Lawton-Turso Funeral Home, corner of 7th and Washington Streets, Hoboken. Parking on 7th Street. Entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
Our deepest sympathies and condolences from the Hunt-McGuire Family from 12th Park. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. God Bless.