Obituary of Rev. John Adam Palasits

Father John A. Palasits, age 81, passed away peacefully on November 1,2014 at McAuley Hall Health Care Center, Watchung, NJ. Born and raised in Jersey City, Father Palasits attended its public school before going on to Seton Hall University and Immaculate Conception Seminary. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Seton Hall as well as a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Scared Theology from Catholic University. He later received a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministry from Immaculate Conception Seminary. Father John was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest on May 31, 1958. He served at St. Michael Parish in Union from 1958 to 1979, at St. Aedan Parish in Jersey City from 1980 to 1986, and as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Lyndhurst from 1986 to 1993. His final assignment was at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in South Orange from 1993 to 2003. Father Palasits was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Margaret, his brother, Ernest and his wife, Barbara, and his sisters-in-law Carol and Anna. He is survived by his brother, Walter and his wife, Concetta, his brother Robert and his wife, Annette, twelve nieces and nephews, and twenty-nine great nieces and nephews. Father John's priesthood was a precious gift to his entire family. He thoroughly enjoyed administering the sacraments of Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Holy Matrimony to many family members. His family also had the honor of having his preside over the Confirmation of an adult family member. On Christmas and Easter, he celebrated Mass for the Palasits' clan at one of his brothers' homes. An accomplished pianist and organist, he shared his musical talents with family and parishioners alike. Although he enjoyed music from many genres, he especially loved classical music and opera. Visitation will be at St. Mary's Stony Hill Church, 225 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2014 followed by a Vigil Mass at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2014. Interment will follow at Maryrest Cemetery, Mahwah, NJ. Arrangements are under the direction of Higgins Home For Funerals, Watchung. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Homeside Hospice, 67 Walnut Avenue, Clark, NJ 06607 or McAuley Hall Health Center, 1633 U.S. Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069.