SOUTH PLYMOUTH – John P. “Jack” Palen, 62, of South Plymouth, passed away Sunday, May 5, 2013, at the Upstate Medical Center of Syracuse.
Jack was born in Kingston, NY on June 21, 1950 the son of John and Rebecca Lewis Palen. He grew up in Kingston and following his education entered the United States Marine Corp where he served his country during the Vietnam War. Over the years, Jack has made his home in various parts of the country but returned to the Norwich area in 2003. While living in Norwich he had worked as a cashier at TOPS and had driven taxi.
Jack is survived by his children, Tammtha Palen and fiancee Terry Beckwith, Shelby Palen, and Latoya Palen, all of Norwich, and Josh Knuth of South Otselic, his sisters Kimberly Vasquez and Goldie Hernandez, both of NC, his brothers Raymond Palen of Kingston, Frank Mergendahl of NJ, and Gary Lewis. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Adreanna Palen, Devon Palen, Javonte Schwartz, Reshae Davis, Tiernan Lindsay, Cole Wiggins, Zoie Palen Cordell Palen and Jerome Palen along with several nieces and nephews.
Jack was predeceased by his wife, Mary Doyle Palen, who passed away May 17, 1994.
A celebration of life for Jack will be held at 7 p.m. on May 14 from the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Frank Walker will officiate. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Friends may call at the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home from 6 p.m. until the time of the service on May 14.