John H Pallarino

John Harry Pallarino, affectionately known as “Sonny”, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, at the age of 91.

John was born in Jersey City, grew up in West New York, NJ, then moved to Westfield to raise his family. He spent his retirement in Mountainside and LBI.

John passed away on Veterans Day which could not be more fitting as he came from a military family with five uncles who served overseas during World War II. John followed in their footsteps and joined the Navy in 1952, serving four years in the Navy aboard the FDR aircraft carrier during the Korean War. He went on to enlist in the Air Force Reserve where he served for 22 years.

John graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in accounting and computer science. He spent his career with Pan American Airlines as a computer programmer and systems analyst. His position at Pan American Airlines provided John and his family the opportunity to travel the world. Upon retirement John worked as an independent consultant in the computer field.

John was a sports enthusiast and played football at Memorial High School, West New York, during the teams undefeated streak from 1949-1952. He was on the Navy baseball team, played Freshman football for Rutgers University, enjoyed skiing and was a member of the New Hope Rowing club. He went on to share his love of sports with his children coaching his daughters in softball and his son in baseball and basketball. John was a fixture at his children and grandchildren’s sports events, concerts and awards ceremonies. He also enjoyed dancing and was a member of the ballroom dance club, the Roundtowners for 16 years.

John is survived by his wife Terry, his three children, Lori Cabe, Susan Pallarino and John Pallarino, and his granddaughter Kristin Cabe. John was predeceased by his parents, John and Evelyn, and his beloved granddaughter, Ally.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Mountainside VFW, Post 10136, PO Box 1163, Mountainside, NJ 07092.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at Higgins and Bonner Echo Lake Funeral Home, 582 Springfield Ave., Westfield, NJ on Sunday, January 26th from 12-2 pm. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 300 Central Avenue in Mountainside to celebrate the Memorial Mass on Monday, January 27th at 10 am.