Joseph "J.P." Palumbo

Joseph Anthony Palumbo, 86, loving husband, father, and grandfather, of Plainville, passed away peacefully at home on June 23, 2022 surrounded by his devoted family. He was the beloved husband to Valena (DeVoe) Palumbo and together they shared 62 blessed years of marriage, full of love, and laughter.

Joseph was born on October 6, 1935 in New Haven, CT son to the late Anthony and Lucy (DeCapua) Palumbo. He grew up in New Haven and from an early age learned the importance of hard work, working alongside his father at the family Economy Shoe Repair. He graduated from Goodwin Tech and following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army, proudly serving our country for several dedicated years of service prior to being honorably discharged. It was love at first sight for Joe when he met Valena at Valena’s Beauty Salon in New Britain. He knew the first time he saw her that he was destined to be her husband. Together they settled in Plainville, raised their family and maintained a beautiful home where they shared many wonderful memories over the years. Joe was a longtime communicant of Our Lady of Mercy Church.

Joseph, affectionately known as “J.P.,” began a successful career in the jewelry business with the help of his wife, owning and operating J.P. Jewelers, Palumbo Bail Bonds, Garfield Jones, and Joval Jewelers, building many lasting relationships with his clients. Aside from being a knowledgeable jeweler, Joseph also acquired his brokerage license and held onto it up until his final days. He enjoyed camping with his family in their camper. He also loved going back to Italy to visit with family, playing billiards with friends, going to the shore and fishing, and spent family time in Madison and Westbrook. Above all, Joe was a true family man. He adored his grandchildren and was proud to pass down family traditions and most importantly, love. Joe was a well-respected, honest, people-person with an infectious personality and kind heart who will be missed dearly by all who were fortunate to have known or to have met him.

In addition to his wife, Valena, Joe is survived by his children, Gary Palumbo and his wife, Amy (DePasquale) and Valerie (Palumbo) Laliberte’ and her husband, Andre’; his grandchildren, Anthony Palumbo and Deanna Palumbo; his brother, Anthony “Babe” Palumbo and his wife Jan and his niece Patricia Pellerin. 

Family and friends are welcome to gather on Thursday, June 30 from 4 to 7 PM at the Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St., Plainville. Funeral services will begin on Friday, July 1 at 9 am from the funeral home with a Mass of Christian burial to be celebrated at 10 AM at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 94 Broad St., Plainville. Burial with full military honors will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery, Plainville. In memory of Joseph, donations may be made to Our Lady of Mercy Church c/o Parish Office, 19 S. Canal St., Plainville, CT 06602. For more information or to leave online expression of sympathy, please visit www.PLAINVILLEFUNERALHOME.com.

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