SALEM - Mr. Joseph Palamara Jr., 88, of Salem, beloved husband of the late Elizabeth "Betty" (Dauphinee) Palamara, passed away on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Joseph Palamara Sr. and the late Annette (Kozicka). He was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Joe loved his family. He supported his family with the only job he ever knew at Joe's Auto Laundry, a family business for generations. Joe was a hands-on dad and was proud of his children's accomplishments and was over the moon when the grandkids came along and loved to watch them grow and succeed in all their endeavors.

A life-long resident of Salem, Joe was the proprietor of Joe's Auto Laundry, for over 42 years a business that was a staple in downtown Salem. Car detailing was his specialty, but he also did small repairs. Joe was known for his skill with cars but also his hospitality. Joe's Auto Laundry was not just a gas station but also a meeting place for generations where you could fill up your car and get the latest news around town. He could be found many nights after hours having coffee with his friends and customers who would stop by for a chat. He often let friends use the garage after hours to work on their own personal vehicles and trusting them to lock up when they were done. Joe was honored to belong to the Salem Auxiliary Fire Department during the 60's and 70's when he proudly served the city he loved. Joe will be forever remembered for his dedication to his family, his business, and serving his community and will be deeply missed by his loving family, friends, and the many lives he touched along the way.

Surviving Joe is his daughter, Sharon Gilardi and her husband, Michael of Gloucester, and his son, Joe Palamara and his partner, Judy Goulding of Salem, his grandchildren, Kevin Palamara and his wife, Robin of Marblehead, Christopher Palamara and his wife, Sarah of Peabody, and Katie Palamara of Salem, his great-grandchildren, Sydney Palamara, Allison Palamara, Kyra Walker, Grace Palamara and baby boy Palamara due in May 2024. He was also the father of the late Lawrence Palamara.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral service which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Wednesday, December 6th at 10 A.M. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours in the funeral home on Tuesday, December 5th from 4 to 7 P.M. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Joe's memory to Mary Queen of the Apostles Parish, 158 Federal St., Salem, MA 01970. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

Mary Queen of the Apostles Parish
158 Federal Street, Salem MA 01970