John D. Palillo, Sr. 81 of Niagara Falls, NY passed away on Saturday August 31, 2013 at his residence while under the care of Niagara Hospice. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Joseph and Carmella 'Nellie' (Curcio) Palillo.

John moved to Brocton, NY and attended Brocton Central School until enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1951. He served during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1955, and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal. John went on to serve in the Army National Guard and as a reserve of the Army until 1963. On June 14, 1955, he married Phyllis June (Holder) Palillo, she predeceased him on March 22, 2012.

John was involved in the construction of the New York State Power Project. In the mid 1960's he also worked as an accountant for Brocton Central School, and in the construction of Fredonia State College. From 1969 until 1970 he worked as a news anchor for WDOE in Dunkirk, NY and from 1971 until 1973 a reporter for WGRZ in Buffalo, NY. In 1974, John took the position of Civil Defense Director of Chautauqua County, and during the 1980's worked with the New York State Liquor Authority and Port Authority of Erie County. From 1990 until his retirement in 1994, he served the Parks Director and Public Works Director for the City of Niagara Falls.

John was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War. He was a lifetime and active member of the Democratic Committee and avid New York Yankee fan. In 2009, John was proud to be honored and receive his high school diploma through New York States Operation Recognition, a program instituted to recognize veterans who left school before graduation to serve our country.

Mr. Palillo is survived by his three children, John D. (Margaret) Palillo, Jr. of Attica, NY; Paul Palillo and Paula Palillo both of Niagara Falls, NY; eight grandchildren, Liza Palillo, Anthony Palillo, Mary Catherine (Ryan) Hughes, Patricia (Ryan) Stehler, Rosemary Palillo, Christina Palillo, Theresa Palillo and Anna Palillo; three great- grandchildren, Sophia Hughes, McKenna Hughes and Arthur Palillo; one sister Patricia (late Premo) Rizzo of Niagara Falls, NY and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was the brother-in-law of, Sally (Samuel) Walter of Georgia; and Ronald M. (Coletta) Holder of Illinois, and was also predeceased by three brothers, Former Niagara Falls Mayor Jacob A. Palillo, Fred J. (late Irene) Palillo, and Joseph Palillo, Jr.

Visitation will be on Tuesday from 3 – 5 and 7-9 p.m. at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday September 4th at 10:00 a.m. At Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church 1413 Pine Ave. Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Duane Klizek officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment with Military Honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Dr. Lockport, NY 14094.