Obituary of Michael John Palardy

Michael Palardy Sr., 79, of Toms River, NJ, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025. He was born on October 28, 1945, in Orange, NJ, to his loving parents, Elmer and Celia Palardy. He was a lifelong resident of West Orange before moving to The Villages, Fla.  After his wife Donna’s passing, he returned to NJ to be with friends and family where he settled in Toms River.  

A proud graduate of West Orange/Mountain High School and William Paterson University.  In high school he was a standout athlete in both track and football.  He was a proud member of the West Orange Athletic Hall of Fame.  After high school Michael took up boxing where he was the New Jersey Golden Gloves, middle weight champion in 1968.  He held an amateur record of 24-1with his only loss coming from the National Champion in the Golden Gloves, Nationals.   

In 1969 Michael followed with the family tradition and he became a police officer.  He had an illustrious law enforcement career earning numerous state, county and municipal awards for bravery and distinction.  He worked his way through the ranks before retiring as a Captain.  Upon retiring, Michael was hired as the Security Director at the Mall as Short Hills where he spent 14 years.  

Michael was a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Donna Palardy (Dusche’). He is predeceased by his wife Donna, brother Donald Palardy, and his sister Barbara Stizza. He is survived by his brother, Edward Palardy, his sons Michael and his wife Laura, Matthew and his wife Vincenza, and his grandchildren Nicky, Maia and Lola and many nieces and nephews.     

In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf, making people laugh, Seton Hall basketball, Notre Dame football and his dogs.  

A service to honor and celebrate Michael’s life will be held on Thursday March 20, 2025, at 11:15 am at St. Rose of Lima Church in East Hanover, NJ