David F. Palicia

Major David F. Palicia USAF, Retired, 80, of Stoneboro passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at his residence. He was born on November 10, 1943 to the late Anthony and Anna Hrisak Palicia. David was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, AFROTC. Following Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for piloting a high-risk C-47 mission in Vietnam. David then cross-trained to the C-130 for the remainder of his career. His youngest son later followed in his footsteps, as they both piloted aircraft in the 37 Airlift Squadron.

David was a member of St. Columbkille Roman Catholic Church, belonged to the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and Grove City V.F.W.

David was not a man of many words, but of principle, integrity, humility, and kindness.  He would go out of his way to help and develop others though his mantra of ‘practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect.”  In his free time David was an exceptionally talented golfer and lived for his family.  He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

David is survived by his beloved wife, the former Teresa Hamay, whom he married on October 27, 1973, his children: LTC Eric I. Palicia, and wife Jessica, of Hawaii, Maj. Noah A. Palicia of Missouri; Marie B. Palicia of Utah; two grandchildren: Nadia and Elsie Palicia; siblings: Zachary Palicia of Stoneboro and Lucy Pistone of Calif. and several nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers and 2 sisters.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rose and Black Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 99 Franklin Street, Stoneboro, PA 16153 where family and friends are welcome on Monday, April 1, 2024 from 3PM – 6PM, with a prayer vigil at 6PM. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 AM on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at St. Columbkille Roman Catholic Church, 70 Franklin Street, Stoneboro with Father Robert A. Manning, as Celebrant.  U.S.A.F. Honor Guard will be presenting military honors.

Interment will take place at St. Columbkille Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.RoseAndBlackFH.com

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