Joe Palacios

Joe Palacios, Jr. (Big Joe) passed away on February 21, 2024 at the age of 95. Joe Jr. leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Vivian Palacios; son Joseph (Giselle) Palacios, daughter Shirley Palacios; grandchildren Hilary, Matt (Natalee), Mariah, Jessica and Cameron Palacios; and great-grandchildren Aiden Solorio, London Moreno and Isabella Palacios. He is also survived by his sister Francis AhSam and brother Rudy Palacios and several loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Mitch Palacios, his parents, Francis and Joe Palacios, Sr., sister Florence Gonzales, brothers Eddie and Pete Palacios. Born in San Pedro, CA on April 7, 1928, Joe Jr. was born during the Great Depression. He attended Barton Hill Elementary and was a lifelong proud Barton Hill Cougar. He was a star athlete at San Pedro High School lettering in track and football. He was a walk-on football player for UCLA shortly before being drafted into the Army for the Korean War. After his time in the Korean War, he worked for some years at his favorite job as a gas station attendant at Andy’s Mobile Gas Station. He became a longshoreman in1968 and retired from the ILWU Local 13 in 1993. He spent the rest of his life enjoying travels to Las Vegas and taking cruises with his loving wife, family and good friends all while happily raising his grandchildren. He enjoyed watching sports, playing poker, betting on horses and spending time with his family. He was a hardworking family man who always stepped up when he was needed and put family first. If you were a friend, then you were family. He was the patriarch of the Palacios clan as the oldest member of the family. He was an exemplary example of what a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend should be. Although he is leaving a huge void, 95 years was a full life. 95 years will have never been enough time for his loved ones. Those that loved him will remember him for his smile, his laugh, his gentle nature and his kindness. Services will be held at Green Hills on Thursday, March 7,2024 at 11:30AM.