Joseph A Di Palma

Joseph Di Palma, also known as Count Joseph Di Palma, passed into God’s hands at age 94 on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, peacefully surrounded by his family. Di Palma, a Film and TV producer, writer, NY attorney, Executive Director of the Di Palma Family Holdings specializing in real estate and stocks, Founder of The Di Palma Center for the Study of Jewelry and Precious Medals on Fifth Avenue in NY at The Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum Smithsonian Institution, sponsor of The Nightly Business Report on PBS TV for ten years, wrote and produced The Di Palma Forum, a successful four year TV interview program on national issues to benefit the University of Nevada Las Vegas was celebrated and awarded for his contributions to film and television, law, philanthropy, and business.

Di Palma’s illustrious career included producing the acclaimed television program The Di Palma Forum, a four-year celebrity interview series benefiting the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The program featured high-profile guests in serious debates on national issues and earned praise for its thoughtful discourse. Di Palma was also a longtime sponsor of PBS’s The Nightly Business Report, supporting public broadcasting for a decade. He also produced several feature films, including Amazing Racer (2009), also known as Shannon’s Rainbow, The Innocent and the Damned (2005), and Awakened (2013).

As Executive Director of The Di Palma Family Holdings, he specialized in real estate and stock investments while simultaneously pursuing philanthropic initiatives. He founded The Di Palma Position Papers, a non-profit editorial think tank recognized for its insightful analyses of economic and social issues, regularly releasing reports on topics including the American economy, gaming legislation, and global crises.

In addition to his media and philanthropic endeavors, Di Palma established The Di Palma Center for the Study of Jewelry and Precious Metals at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, Smithsonian Institution in New York City, reflecting his dedication to education and cultural preservation.

A New York native, Joseph Di Palma was born in Forest Hills Gardens to Gaetano Di Palma, a civil engineer renowned for constructing the Italian Pavilion at the 1939 World's Fair, and Michela May Ambrosio Di Palma. He earned a B.A. from Columbia University in 1952 and, following his service in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, pursued a law degree from Fordham University, graduating in 1958. He later completed an LL.M. in Taxation at New York University in 1959.

Joseph’s distinguished legal career included serving as a tax attorney for CBS from 1960 to 1964 and as Staff Vice President of Taxes for TWA from 1964 to 1974. During his tenure at TWA, he also chaired the International Air Transport Association’s Taxation Sub-Committee, where he addressed complex international tax matters.

Joseph received numerous accolades throughout his life, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from Marquis Who’s Who and the Public Spirit Award from PBS. He was invited to the White House by First Lady Laura Bush and was celebrated for his contributions to media, philanthropy, and public dialogue.

A man of faith and family, Joseph is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joycelyn Ann Engle—a film producer, writer and actress—his daughters Joycelyn Joan (a TV producer) and Julianne Michelle (an award-winning film and TV actress), grandchildren Avalynn Reeves, Edward Stroh, and Bailey Joseph Di Palma, his sister Flora Hoffmann, and niece Michelle Hoffmann.

His life's work has been chronicled in numerous publications, including the Jerusalem Post, The New York Times, and The Los Angeles Times.

Through his visionary leadership and dedication to public service, Joseph Di Palma left an indelible mark on every field he touched. His legacy continues to inspire those who value creativity, thoughtful dialogue, and meaningful contributions to society. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched through his work and generosity.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mommy’s Heart at https://www.mommysheartfoundation.com/OUR-MISSION or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/