COLONIE: John A. "Jack" Pallone, 79, passed away peacefully on the morning of Jan. 3 2017, after a brief battle with cancer. Born in Albany on Aug. 8, 1937, Jack was the son of James C. and Carmela J. "Bella" Pallone, both of whom predeceased him.
Jack was someone who could make new friends everywhere he went; he was quick to share his infectious smile and words of wisdom or to help out wherever he was needed, especially when doing so involved those whom he loved the most.
Jack graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1955, then enlisted in the United States Air Force where he got the chance to travel the world, serve as an air flight refueling operator and begin his lifelong love of airplanes. Upon returning home from his time in the service, Jack started his 35-year career with Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation; he worked his way up from the mailroom to the line truck to management and management training, where he earned his reputation as someone who could take on any challenge. Jack earned a certificate from the School of Management at Hudson Valley Community College and a B.A. from the College of Saint Rose. He was Regional Manager of Customer Assistance when he took an early retirement from Niagara Mohawk, and he never stopped working hard doing all the things he most enjoyed. He explored his love of flying through his business, P/T Air, which he started with his close friend and business partner, Charlie. Time spent boating, tubing and water-skiing with friends and family at the Pallone camp on the Great Sacandaga Lake was one of the great joys of Jack's life.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife Sally Mae (Walsh) Pallone. The couple shared good times and better times, with nary a struggle between them; even after more than 55 years of wedded happiness, Jack never stopped referring to Sally as his "lovely young bride." Additional survivors include his "darling daughter" Diane Pallone-Smith, her spouse Adam Smith and their children, Gracie and Aliza; son Joe Pallone, his spouse Lisa and her son William Frank; and eldest son Tony Pallone, his spouse Colleen Lovett and her son Geoffrey Nowell.
The family extends its appreciation to all who visited during Jack's illness, especially good friends Martha and Debbie White. The family would also like to express its gratitude to the staff of Community Hospice of Albany for their caring compassion.
Calling hours will be held Monday, Jan. 9 from 4-7 p.m. at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie; a Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m. at St. Clare's Church, 1947 Central Ave., Colonie.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 33 Elk St., Suite 201, Albany NY 12207, or Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany NY 12205.