Thursday, Aug 25, 2016
Palaia, a champion of children with disabilities, was a distinguished alumnus of Rider University
Joseph A. Palaia ’49, a longtime State Senator and champion of children with disabilities, passed away on Aug. 20, 2016. He was 89.
Palaia graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Rider College in business administration. Rider awarded Palaia its Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1989. The annual award recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions to the University. That same year he was also inducted into the Rider Basketball Booster Club Hall of Fame.
"Joe Palaia was an outstanding educator, a gifted legislator and a dedicated Rider alumnus,” said Dr. Benjamin Dworkin, director of The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University. “His record of public service sets the bar for all future Rider students who want to serve in their community."
Palaia represented the 11th Legislative District in the State Senate from 1989 to 2008. Previously, he served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1981 to 1989 in addition to local government positions in Ocean Township and Monmouth County. He was also principal of Wanamassa Elementary School in Ocean Township for 33 years.
In the legislature, Palaia, a Republican, championed measures for children with disabilities and gun control.
“Joe has certainly left a venerable legacy for generations of public servants to follow,” Gov. Chris Christie said in a statement. “Joe’s success came from putting others needs before his own. He was a problem solver who built brighter futures for families, above all else.”
At Rider, Palaia played varsity basketball from 1947-49 and varsity baseball from 1948-49. His three basketball teams were a combined 41-27 under Hall of Fame Coach Tom Leyden. He played alongside Hall of Fame basketball player Herb Krautblatt his sophomore and junior seasons. His junior year Rider won 14 games, the most in 16 years, and his senior year Rider again won 14 games. His two baseball teams were a combined 23-13. In his senior year, Palaia also played on the intramural softball team, which won the championship. He was a Student Activities League Representative and member of Phi Sigma Nu and Varsity Club.
In a statement, State Sen. Tom Kean described Palaia as “one of the kindest and most decent legislators to ever serve in Trenton.”
Palaia is survived by daughter Denise, grandsons Anthony and Adrian, wife Aimee, daughter-in-law Elizabeth Mackay and sister Elizabeth Rosenstein, as well as many nieces and nephews. Palaia is predeceased by his wife Wedell, son Joseph J. Palaia, sister Frances and three brothers, Ralph, George and Jerry.
Private funeral services for immediate family were scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 10 a.m. at Francioni Taylor & Lopez Funeral Home in Neptune City. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wayside Elementary School P.T.A. 733 Bowne Road, Ocean, NJ 07712.