Obituary of Albert J. Pallas

Albert John Pallas, 97, passed away Monday, June 3, 2024, at The Jewish Home of Rochester, in Rochester, New York. Born in Rome, New York on March 1, 1927, he was the son of Alvah John and Florentine (Wolff) Pallas. Al lived in Rome for 94 years before moving to Rochester to be close to his daughter, Carol.  

He graduated from Rome Free Academy after having a split senior year due to being called to the army in World War II. He served at Fort Douglas in Park City, Utah. He married the love of his life, Nancy Rose O’Brien on August 20, 1955, in St. Peter’s Church in Rome, New York. Al and Nancy were just two months shy of being married for 69 years.

Al worked at Marine Midland Bank in Rome, serving as vice president before retiring after 30 years of service. He was part of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers (SRA) and served as president of the organization from 1988-1989. Upon his retirement from the bank, he went on to serve as the first full time city assessor of Rome, before again retiring and moving on to work part-time for Birnie Bus Service. Al finally retired from work for good at 90 years old.

Al loved the City of Rome and the people who make up the community. He dedicated many years of service to the preservation and improvement of Rome’s historic landmarks. He was instrumental in starting the Erie Canal Village and served as a member of the Historical Rome Development Association (HRDA) under NY Governor Rockefeller. He was a member of the Rome Chamber of Commerce for several years, serving as Treasurer. He was a long-time member and past president of the Rome Kiwanis organization. He belonged to the Rome Club, serving as a board member. As a member of the Rome Historical Society, Al received the Medal of the Order of 1777 award in August of 2009, thus preserving him in the archives of the society. He was a longtime member of the Elks Club in Rome, and a member of the McConnellsville Golf Club.  Al was a member of St. Peter’s Church in Rome and served as usher, lector, and eucharistic minister. Al loved dining out and enjoying a good drink, especially at the Savoy restaurant in Rome. Al also loved to frequent Eddie’s Diner and knew the menu by heart.

The only thing Al loved more than the city of Rome, was his friends and family. He was so very proud of his family and leaves behind his dear wife, Nancy O. Pallas of Rochester, New York, his children; daughter, Mary Elizabeth (Matthew) Babcock of Watervliet, NY, son, Thomas F. (Debbi Zamboni) Pallas of Albany, NY, and daughter, Carol A. Pallas of Rochester, NY. His grandchildren, Thomas G. (Mallory Squiers) Babcock of Orchard Park, NY, Gregory O. (Elizabeth Vogt) Babcock of Austin, TX, Stephen C. (Lindsay DelGrosso) Babcock of Williamsville, NY, Katherine C. Babcock and boyfriend Michael Brager both of Troy, NY, Andrew (Amber Stiller) Pallas of Ballston Spa, NY, and Kayla (Nate) Stanley of New Britain CT. Al also leaves his great grandchildren, Gideon Babcock, Callum Babcock, Jettson Stanley, and Beau Babcock. Having lived until 97 years old, Al was predeceased by many of his longtime friends, but kept making new ones as he aged. Al really loved everyone he met, and we will miss him dearly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 11^th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 200 N. James St., Rome NY 13440. Interment will take place in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to call at St. Peter’s Church prior to the Mass on Tuesday from 10-11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Peter’s Church memorial fund in Rome, NY or to the Rome Jervis Library. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome, NY 13440.

You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com.