Emil J. DiPalma Sr., 89, passed away on Thursday morning, May 24th 2018, in Hackettstown, NJ. Born in Newark, NJ, he served his country in the U.S. Army through the Korean War. A man of honor, faith and loyalty, Emil exemplified the values of America’s “Greatest Generation”. Prior to his retirement, he was an electrical contractor for many years. He also worked as an electrician at Merck Pharmaceuticals. Emil loved his family, and loved spending time with his children and his 7 grandchildren. He also enjoyed reading war novels, gardening and fixing just about anything. He is survived by his loving wife, Frances, of 57 years, his son Vincent and his wife Margaret of Rumson, son Emil Jr, of Hackettstown, daughter, Nicole, and her husband Stephen McGrouther of Lincroft, his 7 grandchildren Eric and Craig McGrouther, Erika and Renae DiPalma, and Morgan, Victoria, and Sarah DiPalma, and by a sister Sue Chirella. Emil was one of nine children. Visitation will be on Friday, June 1st at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. A mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, June 2nd at 10:00 A.M. at the Holy Cross R.C. Church, 30 Ward Avenue, Rumson, N.J. In lieu of traditional remembrances donations may be made in his honor to Atlantic Hospice, 465 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960, phone 973-379-8440. To leave a message of condolence or to share a favorite memory please visit Emil’s page of tributes at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.