John Richard Pallini Jr.

John Richard Pallini Jr. (89) of Monessen, passed away on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at home with his loving family right by his side. Born May 17, 1935 to the late John Sr. and Josephine (Palmintera) Pallini, John and his two sisters were raised in a vibrant Italian home. He attended Monessen High School, where he played Varsity football, served as the Class of 1953 senior class president, and made the very best of lifelong friends. In 11th grade, John met the great love of his life, Patricia (Fonner) Pallini, and on August 18, 1956, they married. Anyone who had the privilege of witnessing the two of them together knew that, if there was one thing in life that John excelled at it was showing in word and deed what it means to love. John served his country as a military policeman in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. When he returned home, he attended California University of Pennsylvania to earn his bachelor's degree in Education. He began at Ringgold High School, followed by many years at Elizabeth Forward High School, where he taught sociology & psychology. He also served as an assistant football coach for many years. In the summers, he did odd jobs,and was always ready to offer a helping hand or lend out one of his many impeccably-labeled tools. His label system remains one of his most adorable traits, bringing a smile to the faces of his family.  John proudly raised his three children with Pat on the tenets of Faith, family, and always striving to do your very best. He was so incredibly proud of Jona, Jeff, and Jill, and he loved them (with Pat) more than words will ever adequately express. This, of course, made him that much more thrilled when he was blessed with their children and grandchildren. John was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Monessen Greyhounds fan. His love of sports did not end there, though, as he was an even bigger fan of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren's teams. John was also a dear friend and passionate lifelong resident of Monessen. He loved taking trips with Pat and the Charleroi Golden Agers group, helping to coordinate the Class of 1953 reunions, and attending, the Bible Chapel in Pricedale. John will be so greatly missed, but his legacy is apparent because of those who loved him. He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 68 years, Patricia Ann (Fonner) Pallini; his daughter Jona Lynn (Ron) Pallini Hezar of Elon, NC; his son John Jeffrey (Christina) Pallini of Green Bay, WI; his daughter Jill Marie (Joseph) Shash of Monessen, PA; his nine grandchildren: Shireen (Steven) Miller, Kelsey (Rebecca) Pallini, Anthony Hezar, Samantha Pallini, Adam Pallini, Tyler (Leah) Shash, Vinny (Hannah) Pallini, Dillon Shash, and Max (Lexi) Pallini; his seven great-grandchildren; and his two sisters, Marie "Tootsie" Dinio and Joyce (Bob) Zeli. Private family arrangements were entrusted to the Dalfonso-Billick Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services, 441 Reed Avenue, Monessen. Entombment was in the Grandview Cemetery Mausoleum, Monessen. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St Jude’s or a charity of your choosing. Condolences are being accepted for the family at www.dalfonso-billick.com.