Joseph Palma III, 78, of Pinole, Calif., formerly of Monongahela, died February 2, 2000, following a lengthy illness. Mr. Palma also was a crane operator at Unocal Refinery for 43 years in the state of California. Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Willa Dean Palma; his mother, Clelia Palma of Richmond, Calif.; four sisters, Constance Johnson and Bette Fitch, both of San Rafael, Calif., Olive Silvastrini of Adameda, Calif., and Mary Walker of Richmond, Calif.; and one grandchild, Anthony Palma. Deceased are a son, Joe Palma, who died in an industrial accident in 1975; and his father, Joseph Palma II, formerly of Monongahela, who died in 1969. Interment was in Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette, Calif. Memorial contributions may be sent to the World War II Memorial, P.O. Box 96766, Washington, D.C. 20090-6766. Copyright ©2000 Observer Publishing Co.Last updated Saturday, February 12, 2000Joseph Palma III
Crane operator for 43 years
Mr. Palma was a member of Company A, which was called to duty by the Army in 1942. He was sent to Panama to join the 158th Infantry Regiment, the Bushmasters. The regiment served in New Guina and the Philippines.