Joseph Palmitessa, Jr.

Joseph Palmitessa, Jr., 34, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away unexpectedly on April 17, 2023.

Joseph was born on September 25, 1988 in Scranton, PA to Joseph and Darlene (Cleary) Palmitessa. He was doted on as a baby brother to Eileen and Amber, and later big brother to Nicholas. Through grade school and middle school Joe developed a love of sports and excelled in baseball and wrestling. Once hitting high school, he focused his attention on wrestling. His talent provided him with wrestling scholarship offers from multiple universities, but he found his passion in cooking.

After graduating West Scranton, he attended IUP Academy of Culinary Arts. He graduated valedictorian, on the dean's list with highest honors, and perfect attendance. He received many accolades from Indiana's Cooking Show in 2015, 39th Annual Indiana Gazette cooking show, and Governor Corbett's VIP event. He also took 2nd place in the IUP's Academy of Culinary Arts Cooking Competition. After college, he moved to Charleston, South Carolina to pursue his dreams of being a chef. He took pride in working in some of the most prestigious resorts and restaurants on Kiawah Island and in Charleston and surrounding areas. Whether he was building menus and executing dishes in Michelin star-rated restaurants, cooking for family and friends, his passion and talent for cooking was evident. He was extremely creative and meticulous in his work.

In his spare time Joseph enjoyed golfing, music, following his beloved Atlanta Braves, Denver Broncos and taking his 2 dogs, Rocko & Izzy, to the beach. He also volunteered countless hours to Punxsutawney Groundhog Little League and Matt Hog Wrestling as well as A.J. Parise youth football. Joseph's magnetic personality made him instantly likable to anyone he met. He was outgoing and charismatic, and could put a smile on someone's face regardless of the circumstances. His wit and humor were unmatched. Not a family dinner passed without Joe's antics bringing his family to tears from laughter. Our loss is immeasurable and his presence will forever be missed.

Joseph was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Paul, Sr. and Irene Palmitessa; maternal grandfather John Cleary; aunt, Colleen Laniewski; and uncle Charles Keller.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his siblings, Eileen and Steven Martin, Amber and Wayne Mackey, and Nicholas and fiancée Christina Wolfe; nephews Avery Martin, Wayne, Eli and Oscar Mackey; along with many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial contributions can be made to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Rd., Clarks Summit, PA 18411.

A blessing service will be held Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. at Savino Traditional Funerals and Cremation Care, 157 S. Main Ave., West Scranton.  Carl J Savino, Jr., Supervisor.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 4 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

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