PALACE, JUAN E.

Juan Edwin Palace, born in Philadelphia September 7, 1923, died June 26, 2017. Juan received the nickname “Yogi” by a co-worker because of the hat he wore. Yogi joined the Marines during World War II and on the train to basic training, he met Jerry West, who became his lifelong friend. Jerry eventually became his brother-in-law when he married his sister Delores. Being one of the original Edson’s Raiders was a source of great pride to Yogi, and he enjoyed attending the annual Edson’s Raiders reunion in Quantico, VA every year.

Due to an injury, Yogi was not able to go to the Pacific with his unit but was able to re-enlist in the Army where he was then stationed in Germany for the duration of the war. Yogi had a love of trains as a child and enjoyed working for the Pennsylvania Railroad as a fireman after leaving the service. The long hours on the railroad and being away from home and his wife, he decided to try other things to keep him home. He became an automobile salesman with his extensive knowledge enjoyment of cars of the time. During his varied career, he also worked for Wells Fargo Security as the head of the security division in Southern New Jersey and was responsible for all of the security of the first casino in Atlantic City.

The best job Yogi said he ever had was his volunteering at Our Father’s House and being with the children every day. Yogi was married to his first wife, Eleen for more than 50 years and when she passed in 1997, he had the good fortune to meet and marry Alberta and they were together for nearly 20 years. Yogi is survived by his wife Alberta, his son Juan M., his daughter Gwynn Audrie, stepchildren Stephen Iannotti, Wendy Ianotti Whipple and his ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He will be missed for his humor, his love of music, his endless curiosity and his kindness to others. Friends may greet the family on Sunday after 2:30 p.m. in the Pitman United Methodist Church, 758 N. Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071.

Memorial service will be at 3:15 p.m. Contributions may be made to Our Father’s House, 758 N. Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071.