Harry Pallett – April 19

Harry Leonard Pallett, a lifelong resident of Pelham New York, passed away on April 19th 2023. He was 82 years old. Born on Nov. 27, 1940 in New Rochelle to Frank and Marie Pallett, Harry was number three of eight children. He was raised in Pelham where he graduated from Hutchinson Elementary School before attending High School.

Harry began working at an early age to help support his family. At the age of eight he had a newspaper route. Together with his brother they supported his father and younger siblings by sharing their pay and tips. Harry had a passion for classic and antique cars. You would always find him under the hood of a car before being drafted in the US Army.

Harry was stationed on various bases in the United States before being shipped overseas to Germany where he served as a Private E1. During his time in Germany he was blessed with his first daughter Marie. After his Honorable discharge in 1968 he would work for the Village of Pelham where he dedicated 41 years of loyal service. In 2007 Harry retired as Superintendent of Public works for the Village of Pelham.

In 1976 Harry would meet his wife of 45 years Denise Giustino. While working in a cherry picker for the Village of Pelham Harry would admire from afar the beautiful woman who would eventually become his wife.  They would later marry in 1978. Harry and Denise lived in Pelham where they raised their six children.

Harry loved his community. He was always out and about talking to people. He was known to many as Mr. Pelham. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, The American Legion Post 50, a parishioner of St. Catharine’s and could be seen at every Memorial Day Parade driving an antique car down Fifth Avenue in his American Legion cap.  In his spare time Harry loved to restore cars in his garage and attend car shows.

Harry will be remembered as a patriot, a public servant and a responsible citizen. To his family he will be remembered as a loving, devoted, good natured, hardworking, honest and most all a family man.

Harry is survived by his wife Denise, his children, Marie (Tommy) O’ Connor, Robert (Jennifer) Giustino, Michael Ottman, Jason (Kathryn) Pallett and Christopher (Christina) Pallett. He will be deeply missed by his 10 grandchildren Marcus Ottman, Thomas O’ Connor, Oliva O’ Connor, Brianna Pallett, Mia Pallett, Aaron Wheeler, Izaha Wheeler, Zarissa Wheeler, Zaniya Wheeler and Bella Wheeler. He will also be missed by his great grandchild Shaelynne Wheeler, his siblings Francis Zacchio, Ralph Pallett, Louise Barile and Kathy Linder. Harry will be missed by his extended family, friends and everyone who knew him. He is predeceased by his daughter Dora Pallett, his sister Annie and Doris as well as his brother Paul.

A celebration of Harry’s life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, NY on Monday, April 24th from 4 – 8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Catharine’s Church, located at 25 Second Avenue, Pelham, NY, on Tuesday, April 25th at 10:00 AM. For more information or to leave a condolence, please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com

Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.