Obituary of Pascal "Pat" A. De Palma

Retired Chief of Police and Marine Cpl. Pascal “Pat” A. De Palma, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away on November 26, 2023 in Rockledge at the age of 86 surrounded by family and friends.

Pat will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 64 years, Vincenzina “Vinnie” (née Scorese). Cherished father to Anthony V. De Palma and father-in-law to Joanne De Palma (née De Vito) of Kinnelon, New Jersey. Adored grandfather to twins Anthony R. and Gianna E. De Palma (Kinnelon, NJ). Dear uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Pat was predeceased by his loving parents Rocco and Margaret (née Antonaccio), and the late Eugenia “Jennie” (née Recchia).

Pat was born in Newark, New Jersey on December 7, 1936. He was the oldest of 5 boys and leaves behind his cherished brothers Domenick “Donnie” (Rockledge), Michael (Cape Canaveral, FL), and Richard (Royal Palm Beach, FL). His younger brother Peter Allen predeceased Pat in 2003.

Pat moved to Denville, NJ where he met his soulmate and future wife Vinnie and married in 1959. They welcomed their only son, Anthony V., in 1961.

Pat joined the Marine Corps in 1954 with his Boonton High School buddies - the late William “Billy” Beltran, the late Jack Riegel, Chuck Sarges (Spring Hill, FL), Tony Mini (Augusta, NJ) - and served with his dear friend Deacon Frank Falotico (Palm Bay, FL) until 1957. After his tour with the Marines, Pat joined the Borough of Boonton, New Jersey Police Department and served for 29 years holding various positions including Detective Lieutenant, rising to the rank of Chief of Police in 1983. Pat served as Chief for 8 years before retiring in 1991. As Chief, Pat proudly protected his community of Boonton which he affectionately called his “family.” Pat achieved an Associate of Science in Law Enforcement from County College of Morris (Randolph, NJ) graduating in 1977 and attended the 149th Session of the F.B.I. National Academy in Quantico, Virginia in June 1987.

Pat and Vinnie retired to Rockledge where they have made many dear friends in their over 30 years of residence. Pat was an avid golfer, dynamic storyteller, caring mentor and colorful force of nature with many friends from all walks of life. Pat epitomized the “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” mantra every day via his devotion to his family and friends, his unwavering respect for his Country and its Armed Forces, and his meticulous up-keep of his property.

Family and friends will be received at Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home (5400 Village Drive, Rockledge, FL) on December 14, 2023 from 5PM to 8PM and on December 15, 2023 at 8:30AM for a prayer service at Beckman-Williamson followed by a Marine Honor Guard Ceremony at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery (5525 US Highway 1, Mims, FL) at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the 200 Club of Morris County New Jersey (P.O. Box 231, Succasunna, NJ 07876) which provides survivor benefits, scholarships and valor awards to first responders and their families.