Last year we lost our longtime friend and colleague, Senator Joseph A. Palaia, Sr. (1927-2016). Joe was well known to everyone in town, as a teacher at Wanamassa School, and ultimately its Principal. He got involved in politics here in the Township of Ocean, getting elected to the Township Committee, and ultimately Mayor. He went on to the New Jersey State Assembly, then the Senate, all the time remembering where he came from.
And he never forgot the people at the Township of Ocean Historical Society, and later the Museum. He was always around to discuss situations with, aiding them where he could, or finding people who could help.
John Huss, Museum Trustee and longtime friend of Joe, discusses his life with Joe’s daughter Denise Palaia and Museum President, Paul Edelson, who was also a longtime friend of Joe’s. They sit down with our Hometown Histories crew to discuss Joe Palaia’s life.
Paul Edelson, Museum President, is the host of this episode. Dallas Grove is Executive Producer; Produced by Ted Dellinger and Joe Bove; Music is by Bill Madden.
The Township of Ocean Historical Museum is a 501(c)(3) charity, and a 100% volunteer organization, that tells the story of Coastal Monmouth County, New Jersey, USA.
Funding for Hometown Histories was provided by the New Jersey Cultural Trust.
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