Joseph C. Pallone

Joseph C. Pallone passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2023 after a short illness, surrounded by his family. Born on May 31, 1968, he was the beloved husband of Lisa Gallagher Pallone, devoted father of William Frank, and cherished son to Sally Mae Pallone and the late John A. "Jack" Pallone.

Joe graduated from Colonie Central High School in 1986 and later earned a BS in Computer Science at the University of Phoenix. A longtime resident of Clifton Park, he was employed as a consumer services representative for most of his adult life by National Grid (formerly Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation). Everyone knows, however, that he was not someone who could be readily defined by diplomas or day jobs.

He discovered the transformative magic of making music at an early age and formed his first rock & roll band Divine Right at 14, with his older brother and a few friends from the Forest Park neighborhood. To their awestruck delight, he made a deal with his Grandma Alice to play bass in the Church of St. Claire's band in exchange for a brand-new Rickenbacker 4003, which not only gained him instant legend status amongst his peers but inspired a lifelong gift for knowing what tool would do the job right the first time.

Thus began a lifelong journey in live performance that would span four decades, in popular original and tribute acts like Vigilance, Sacred Child, Father Time, Second Hand Smoke, The Lab Rats, The Lishakillers, Project Retro, and so many others. In an overwhelming outpouring of love, laughter and joy, Joe was thrilled to join hundreds of friends, family members and former bandmates at McGeary's Pub in Albany for what would be a final sonic missive to the heavens on June 24 – a mere 17 days before his passing. An aura rose in the room that day, a sublime juxtaposition of volume, spirit, necessary grief and tenderness that had everyone literally vibrating with gratitude. They came for him, but they left with something much bigger – a fitting metaphor for how he saw the world.

Joe was also an avid sports fan, and a particularly skilled bowler and golfer. He was also a member of that peculiar but well-appointed society of fellows that splits sports team loyalties between rival borders, as a dedicated fan of both the New York Giants and Boston Red Sox. A brilliant mathematician & statistics wiz, Joe was on the ground floor of the Fantasy Football phenomenon, in the days when records were kept by hand in notebooks.

Despite his many hobbies and interests, family was what always mattered most – a lesson we can all carry forward. He absolutely adored each and every one of them, regardless of whatever challenges they faced together. Perhaps no greater symbol of the Pallone family philosophy is their camp on Sacandaga Lake, lovingly maintained, handed down through the generations, synonymous with summer, and now providing a relaxing respite through all seasons.

Of course, his heart of hearts will forever belong to Lisa, the love of his life for more than 27 years. On their honeymoon in 1997, they discovered Key West together for the first time, a destination that would soon become a ritual, and ultimately the cornerstone of their steadfast dedication to one another. On their 25th Anniversary, they renewed their wedding vows there, to the adoration of their ever-growing community of loved ones. As sure as the sun sets each evening at Mallory Square in a slow-motion wash of magenta, shandy, blood orange and navy only to rise again each morning, so too will the soul of their communion, which no earthly concern can ever cancel.

Without any real design or effort, Joe was a born barrier breaker. A problem solver. A fun finder. "If it ain't fun, don't do it," he liked to say, and the expression of perpetual amusement he wore at home, on stage, hitting the links, or in the boat, stood as authentic as the Schwinn Varsity with which he delivered the Knickerbocker News to neighbors as a kid (this bike still hangs, to this day, in his garage). Once you were in with Joe, you were in for good. Under his charge, you were always welcome, and the halls of homes and clubs and courses were filled with light years of love, laughter, LPs and Labatt's Blue. Much has been said about his irresistible smile since his passing, and hey. If you know, you know. It is his claim to divinity, and now it is ours to own and share, today and always.

Survivors include Joe's brother Tony Pallone, his spouse Colleen Lovett and her daughter Sophie Nowell; sister Diane Pallone-Smith, her spouse Adam and their children Gracie and Aliza; his mother-in-law Linda Peterson; his sweet pups Kenzie and Bella (aka "TBD"); and a host of family members and longtime friends. He is also survived by his biological family, who he was blessed to meet for the first time in 2019, including his mother Linda Walker Smith and her spouse Edward; brother E. J. Smith and his spouse Amy; cousin Sean Walker and many other aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandmothers Carmela J. "Bella" Pallone and Alice F. Walsh, both of whom were an important and continual presence in his life.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 2 PM to 6 PM. Service to follow on site immediately after calling hours. Following the service, loved ones are welcome at O'Tooles Restaurant Pub, 1814 Central Avenue, Colonie, for a 7 PM reception.

Joe's family would like to thank the staff of Community Hospice of Saratoga County for their loving care as he prepared for the next chapter in his journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made online or by mail to The Community Hospice Foundation, 310 S. Manning Blvd., Albany, NY 12208.

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