Concord's Joe Palumbo: WWII Vet, Oldest Farmer in Town Dies at 95

The following obituary is from Dee Funeral Home:

Joseph Palumbo, 95 of Concord, died October 15, 2014 at his Concord home. He was the beloved husband of the late Aleksandra “Alice” (Soroka) Palumbo.

Joe was Concord’s oldest living farmer. Born in Watertown, New York on September 11, 1919, he was the son of the late Antonio and Francesca (Puccia) Palumbo. He came to Concord in 1925 to begin work on the family farm and attended Concord public schools.

He served his country proudly in World War II and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands for the duration of the war.

Upon his return from the war, Joe, along his brother Frank, operated a successful wholesale farm operation known for its celery, carrots and sweet corn. The 11-acre farm on Lexington Road was supplemented by various tracks of land through the town and at its height cultivated approximately 100 acres. In the 1950’s the brothers were the initial producers of cello packed carrots and later became most well known for the quality of their sweet corn which was sold at farm stands and supermarkets across the state.

Joe, active during the winter months worked as a commercial delivery driver for Concord Oil Company hauling loads of oil out of Boston back to Concord and delivering to schools and businesses in the area.

Over the last fifteen years, Joe still enjoyed farming across the street from his house and spent many years working with other local farmers to pass on what knowledge and experience he could to a younger generation.

Survivors include three daughters, Suzanne Langone and her husband Robert of Vernon, CT, Joanne “Jo” Palumbo of Concord, Pamela P. Templeton and her husband Richard V. of Concord, one son,

Joseph F. Palumbo of Stow, his sister, Stephanie “Fay” Van Wart of Florida, his grandchildren, Peter M. Langone and Karen M. Bradford and her husband Dan and great grandchildren Joseph David Bradford and Julianne Marie Bradford and many nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Frank R. Palumbo, Frances Palumbo, James Palumbo, Virginia Sullivan, Nelson Palumbo and Rose Brooks and great grandfather of the late David William Bradford.

Visitation was held at the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord on Sunday, October 19th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM.

Funeral was held on Monday, October 20th at 10 am from the Dee Funeral Home followed by a service at the Palumbo Farm, Lexington Road, Concord at 11 am.

Burial was in St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Concord.

Concord’s town flag flew at half-staff on Monday in recognition of Mr. Palumbo’s service to his country in the U. S. Army during World War II.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Cooperative Elder Services of Concord, 7 Chamberlain Drive, Concord, MA 01742.

Arrangements were under the care of Susan M. Dee and Charles W. Dee, Jr., Funeral Directors, Dee Funeral Home of Concord.

To share a remembrance in the online guest book, please visit www.deefuneralhome.com.