John F. Palawasta, 87 passed away suddenly at his home in Smithfield, NC on November 24, 2020. He
was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Edna (Friedrich) Palawasta, (mother of his children); his
siblings, Patricia Rankin, Janet Montalbano and David Palawasta.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years Elaine L. (Vessichelli); his children, Linda Gardner (Alan), Brenda
Litterer (Robert), Sandy Weiberth (Otto), Lisa Gillo (Richard), Joseph Palawasta and Dena Testa (David);
his step children, Anna McKendrick (Vessichelli) and Christopher Vessichelli; 25 grandchildren along with
11 great grandchildren.
Born in Noblestown, PA, John lived in Union over 50 years before moving to Lawrenceville and Toms
River NJ; Palm Bay FL and Smithfield NC. John took pride in serving his country and communities where
he lived. He served in the United States Air Force; was a 3rd degree member of Knights of Columbus of
Union #4504 as well as a member of committee in St. Michael's Boy Scout Troop #69 before serving as
Scoutmaster from 1980-1981. John was a manufacturing engineer at Reagen Corporation before
retiring in 1998. While he resided in Smithfield, NC he was an active member of St. Ann's Church and
tirelessly volunteered at St. Ann's Food Pantry. John selflessly put his family above all else. There was
nothing he wouldn't do for his family and friends. He loved caring for dogs and relaxing on the open sea
in his boat.
Due to COVID-19, memorial services will be held in both NC and NJ spring of 2021. In lieu of flowers
donations to the American Cancer Society at https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html#
or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html
would be appreciated.