Joseph Paliani

Joseph Michael Paliani, 87 of
Ocean Park, died peacefully in
Vancouver, WA on January 24, 2026. Joe was born July 14, 1938 in Passaic, New Jersey and moved
to Garden Grove, California where he spent his youth. His parents Faye and Fred preceded him in death. Joe was known for his sense of humor and warm personality, and
was loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Joe was also a loving pet owner to Poofy, Josette, Angel and Chloe.
Joe went to el Camino College where he was Student Body President and President of the Russian Club. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Cal State Long Beach and his Master's Degree from Cal State Sacramento. Joe never stopped pursuing education. He was an analyst for the State of California first in the Anti-Poverty Department, and then for Cal Trans.
Joe was in the U.S. Army and served for two years in a clerical position during the Vietnam War, and served another four years in the Army Reserves. He was very proud of his service record.
Joe married Charlotte Adelman on October 13, 1991 in Sacramento, California. Joe took on the stepfather role to Kimberly and Noah and raised them as his own, and was very proud of them.
After moving to Ocean Park after retirement, Joe became a beloved member of the community. He was a member of the Long Beach Elks, the Peninsula Moose Lodge and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, where he enjoyed playing Texas Hold Em and singing karaoke.
He was an avid reader, fisherman, gardener, target shooter, Alfa enthusiast, chess player; truly a man of all trades - and everything he did, he did well. Joe had always had a profound interest in writing, and in his retirement, wrote 16 plays. He started the One Act Play Festival at the River City Playhouse in Ilwaco and produced and directed many plays there introducing new actors, authors and directors to the stage. He also published two novels, "The Hounds of Heaven" and "The Great New Freedom State: How Five Nutcase Geeks Saved the World." Joe had an interest in protecting the cormorants and the salmon and loved the beach. Joe and Charlotte traveled to more than 26 countries and many states enjoying the culture, people and cuisine.
Joe is survived by Charlotte, his siblings Fred "Butch" Paliani (Nita), Richard "Ricky" Paliani, and Fran Barattucci (Marty); his children Noah (and Danielle) Warren and Kimberly Henderson, grandchildren Zoe, Connor, Veda, Beau and Nathan, his sister-in-law Natalie Hanson, his best friend of about 60-plus years Dave Burcciago, and by many nieces and nephews. Those closest to him will always smile when they remember him singing his "H-a-p-p-y" song a small but unforgettable reminder of the joy he brought into our lives.
Many thanks to Peace Health Hospice and Penttila's Funeral Home (penttilaschapel.com). Donations in his name may be sent to the River City Playhouse in Ilwaco, WA. Services may follow at a later date.