John J. Palange

John "Jack" Palange, 78, of Westminster, MA, passed away Friday, August 25, 2023, after a battle with cancer.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 15, 1945, he was the son of the late John and Catherine (Murphy) Palange. Jack was a United States Army Vietnam War Veteran serving with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions from 1962 to 1965, where he received the Vietnam Service Medal and Parachutist Badge. He was a Co-Owner of American Auto Body and Repair of Leominster before his recent retirement. Jack married his soulmate, Darlene (Vitale) Palange, on November 6, 1971, and together they enjoyed 51 years of marriage.

Jack was a member of the VFW Post 7389 of Westminster and the American Legion Post 129 of Gardner. He was a creature of habit, each morning, he could be found at Cozy Corner or Don's Diner, and often going to Tom's (Dave's) package store for all his lottery and camaraderie needs. Jack loved to travel, especially to Aruba and Cruising. He had fun going to casinos, playing Keno, and spending time with his best friends Norm and Georgette Poirier and George and Lee Bissette. All of this while drinking cheap vodka.

Jack leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Darlene (Vitale) Palange of Westminster; a son, John R. Palange of Westminster; a daughter, Justine Hebert and her husband Richard; a beautiful granddaughter, Madison, all of Athol; two sisters, Anna Rossmark and her husband Michael of New Jersey, and Margaret Boucher of Baltimore, MD; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two sisters, Kathy Swem of Maryland and Rose Crist Pennsylvania.

Funeral Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial Contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Please reference in memory of John “Jack” Palange.