Joseph DePalma, Sr., 73 of Arlington, Texas died Monday, August 15, 2016 in Lakewood, Colorado while vacationing with his wife. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 AM Monday, August 22, 2016 at Gateway Church in Grand Prairie, Texas. Interment will follow with Military Honors at the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery. He was born on September 1, 1942 in Norwalk, Connecticut the son of Nicholas and Catherine Lapak DePalma. Joseph served his country with the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He married Tyra Dalalian in 1975, in Dallas, Texas. He began his career in the hotel industry in 1966. In 1983 he founded DePalma Hotels & Resorts and served as founder and chairman for 33 years. Joseph has been widely quoted regarding industry issues in a variety of hospitality journals and has been recognized for his support of hospitality education by the Educational Foundation of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. He is past President of the Texas Hotel & Lodging Association which presented him with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. In his spare time Joseph enjoyed coaching football and baseball for many years leading his teams to many championships. He dedicated his life to his Christian faith, family, career and coaching. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Josephine Williamson. Joseph is survived by his wife of 41 years, Tyra; his children, Lori Müggler and husband Andreas, David Overbey, Joseph DePalma, Jr. and wife, Ginger, Nicholas DePalma and wife, Kris, Brian DePalma and wife, Angela and Chris DePalma and wife, Brandilyn; 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Nicholas DePalma and wife, BJ.
If desired, the DePalma family suggests donations to his memorial fund at www.samaritanspurse.org or by calling 828/262-1980
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