It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the peaceful passing of John Gerard Palumbo, Sr. on the morning of Saturday, October 28, 2023.

Born in May 1928, in Newark, NJ, John led a remarkable life spanning 95 years. He spent his formative years in Belleville, where in 1950, fate brought him into the life of his beloved wife of seven decades, Rosemarie Massey. John served with honor in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, proudly achieving the rank of sergeant. On January 17, 1953, he joined his life with Rosemarie’s and together they nurtured their family in the communities of Bloomfield and Roseland. In his retirement, John discovered tranquility in Powder Mill Village in Parsippany and eventually settled in Lakewood.

John’s journey began in Belleville, where he excelled in playing first base – eventually making his mark in the Minor League for the Cardinals, before being drafted into the U.S. Army. Professionally he was a skilled carpet installer and later became a part owner of the installation company, Adams and Gray of Newark.

In his leisure time, he cherished moments spent with his family. He was an active member of a bocce league in his adult community. Recently he earned the title of MVP and played an instrumental role in leading his team to a championship victory.

John leaves behind a legacy of love, survived by his devoted wife, Rosemarie; and their three cherished children, daughters, Anne Landolfi and her husband, Philip; and Jeannette Jedziniak and her husband, Michael; and son, John Gerard Palumbo, Jr; his adoring grandchildren, Marisa Jefferson and her husband, Carlos; Philip Landolfi and his wife, Michelle; Christa Landolfi; Victoria Petrulla; Natalie Petrulla; and Jacqueline Werth and her husband, Mitchell; his great-grandchildren, Gia, Adriana, Jenna, and Marco; his sister-in-law, Sandra Coletta and her husband, Joseph; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

As he embarks on his journey to eternity, he will be welcomed into Heaven by many who loved and cherished him, especially his mother-in-law, Mary Massey and his sister-in-law, Constance Cesario.

Visitation with the family will be Friday, November 3rd, 9:30 - 10:30AM at Codey Funeral Home of Caldwell. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Rose of Lima Church, East Hanover at 11:00AM, followed by entombment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.

To share condolences with the family, please visit CodeyFuneralHome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children's Hospital in John's memory would be appreciated.