Joseph Espejo Palalay

Joseph Espejo Palalay, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, son, and friend, passed away at the age of 68 on Saturday, November 18, 2023, after a brave four-month battle with esophageal cancer.

Born on December 25, 1954, Joseph's journey began on Christmas Day at an army base in Cotabato, the Philippines. He achieved early academic success at Adamson University in Manila, before furthering his education with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Philippines College of Criminology. In pursuit of new opportunities, Joseph relocated to California in 1979, where he made significant strides in the hospitality industry. Notably, he excelled as a chef at renowned establishments such as the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim and Hyatt Embarcadero in San Francisco.

In 1992, Joseph ventured to Las Vegas, immersing himself in the electric atmosphere of the city's bright lights. There, he embarked on a three-decade career as a Table Games Dealer at the most prestigious hotels, including MGM, Mirage, Aria, and Bellagio, before retiring in 2021. Alongside his professional achievements, Joseph showcased his diverse talents as a competitive chess player and top-level bowler.

Joseph's unwavering faith, as a devout Roman Catholic, was a cornerstone of his life. He cherished the act and art of bringing people together. What most shined a light on Joseph's deep love for family and community was his passion for hosting feasts of balut, roast pig, and dinuguan, among other Pinoy delicacies, which always culminated in spirited karaoke singalongs late into the night—highlighting the vibrant spirit he brought to everything and everyone.

Joseph is preceded in death by his parents Brigadier General Teodoro Palalay and Victoria E. Palalay and his brother Joey Palalay. He is survived by his dear wife Christina Jandoc- Palalay, RN, whom he married in 2011; children Michael S. Palalay (Ana B. Palalay), Joseph S. Palalay Jr., Analise I. Soriano (Jordan S. Soriano), Niecco-Angelo I. Palalay (Janeth Leiva-Palalay), and Karyl-Victoria G. Palalay; grandchildren Lord Jaden Palalay, Jaden Zedd Palalay, Christopher Joseph Soriano, Leyla Marie Palalay, and Ava Celine Auli’i Soriano; siblings Dominador Palalay, Colonel Jofrey Palalay, Josephine P. Gunatilaka, RN, Jocelyn P. Kizine, and Judith Palalay; as well as countless close relatives and friends

Everyone will miss Joseph's captivating tales of Las Vegas's most prominent players, entertaining insights on the Golden State Warriors, and family secrets behind the perfect crispy pata. However, it is not just his stories and secret recipes that will be missed. Above all, it is Joseph's steadfast dedication, inspiring wisdom, booming voice, and boundless generosity that will be fondly remembered. Though he may no longer be with us, these remarkable virtues will forever be held in the hearts of those fortunate enough to know and love him.

A visitation for Joseph will be held on Sunday, December 10, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM with a reception from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Funeral services will proceed from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Flowers and donations can be sent to Palm Eastern Mortuary, 7600 S Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123, where all of the above events will take place.

A livestream of the service can be joined using the following link: https://webcasting.cashmanpro.com/PE/watchliveevent.cfm?eventID=224836

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the Palalay family.