Vincent Philip Palma

Oct 15, 1929 -

Aug 19, 2021

Alaska resident Vincent Philip Palma passed away peacefully on Aug. 19, 2021, at his home in Wasilla, Alaska.

Vincent was born on Oct. 15, 1929, to Alfonso and Lucy Palma in Devon, Pa. He spent his early years working for his father at their family owned business, Strafford Beverage. At the age of 12, after hearing Charlie Barnet playing saxophone at the Earle Theater in Philadelphia, Pa., Vince knew that he had found his calling, jazz and swing music. During his time in high school, Vince rehearsed with a group of classmates once a week in a garage; this group later went on to form the Swing Kings band.

In his senior year of college, while playing at one of his many band gigs, he met his future wife Betty Dale. Vince was a dedicated student who earned a Bachelor of Science in economics from University of Villanova in 1951. Vince and Betty went on to marry in Pennsylvania in 1952, and lived there with their two children, Al and Judi. After visiting Alaska in 1970, they fell in love with the state and quickly decided to move north with their children to embark on what would be a lifelong Alaska adventure.

Upon arriving in Alaska, Vince began working as a manager of Montgomery Wards. While working at Wards, he studied and obtained his realtor license. Vince had a long and successful career in real estate helping clients across Alaska.

Vince enjoyed all the outdoor adventures Alaska provided him, including hunting, fishing and camping. He loved sports and played on numerous football and basketball teams throughout his life. In addition to playing sports, Vince shared his love of sports with others by coaching high school football and baseball. Vince's true passion in life though was playing his saxophone. His love for music kept him playing well into his late 80s with various jazz and swing bands in Anchorage, Alaska, and Surprise, Ariz. Vince was also the musical director for the After Six Orchestra in Anchorage, where he composed numerous arrangements for the band.

Vince was preceded in death by his father, Alfonso; mother, Lucy; and wife, Betty, of 61 years. He is survived by his two sisters, Fiora Clark and Stella Niccolo; son, Al Palma (wife Beth); daughter, Judi Palma; four grandchildren, Amanda Kula (husband Sonny), Al Palma Jr. (wife Kandice), Benjamin Havelock and Heather Havelock; seven great-grandchildren, Evan, Lillian, Maia, Camryn, Khloe, Hailey and Brody; and many relatives, extended family and friends in Pennsylvania and the Lower 48.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1201 East Bogard Road, Wasilla, AK 99654.