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2017-11-01- Hometown Histories (Stories Worth Remembering) - Remembering Joe Palaia - JohnHuss and Denise Palaia



Last year we lost our longtime friend and colleague, Senator Joseph A. Palaia, Sr. (1927-2016). Joe was well known to everyone in town, as a teacher at Wanamassa School, and ultimately its Principal. He got involved in politics here in the Township of Ocean, getting elected to the Township Committee, and ultimately Mayor. He went on to the New Jersey State Assembly, then the Senate, all the time remembering where he came from.

And he never forgot the people at the Township of Ocean Historical Society, and later the Museum. He was always around to discuss situations with, aiding them where he could, or finding people who could help.

John Huss, Museum Trustee and longtime friend of Joe, discusses his life with Joe’s daughter Denise Palaia and Museum President, Paul Edelson, who was also a longtime friend of Joe’s. They sit down with our Hometown Histories crew to discuss Joe Palaia’s life.

Paul Edelson, Museum President, is the host of this episode. Dallas Grove is Executive Producer; Produced by Ted Dellinger and Joe Bove; Music is by Bill Madden.

Funding for Hometown Histories was provided by the New Jersey Cultural Trust.

Click [_] box on the bottom right of the video for fullscreen


The Township of Ocean Historical Museum, founded in 1984, is a member-supported, 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, incorporated under the laws of the State of New Jersey. Its headquarters, the Eden Woolley House, is one of the few 18th-century structures still in existence in the Township. The museum serves as the ancestral home to every citizen of the Township of Ocean. PLEASE NOTE: At the present time, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Museum will only be open on all  Sunday afternoons, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, or request a tour anytime by Calling 732-531-2136 or e-mailing at OceanMuseum@yahoo.com. We will be adding days in the future and will continue to keep you advised. The Township of Ocean Historical Museum offers exhibits on the history of coastal Monmouth County and a full calendar of events. The Museum is also 100% volunteer supported, with no paid staff. The Museum maintains a library and archive, which houses manuscripts, books and photographs of historical and genealogical interest. For more information, please call 732-531-2136 or visit our website at

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