March On! ...the history of the
Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Joe Palanica
Corps: St Mary's, Toronto Optimists
September 9, 1943 — March 12, 2025
Joe got his start in Saint Mary's, playing in the Drum Corps and singing in the choir. After the 1961 season, he joined the Toronto Optimists, playing lead soprano until he aged out.
Here are a few comments from some of those who knew Joe:
"Joe and I played bugle in the Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps where some guys referred to him as "Joe Cool". I have fond memories of him, especially at the championships in his last year. Another corps beat us in the prelims to the Nationals. Before we competed in the evening finals, Joe gave a very inspirational speech to the corps. Thanks in large part to Joe's speech, we won our 9th consecutive National Title that night! "
"Joe, you were always such a wonderful guide, mentor and friend. Always there to encourage through the difficult times and with such a clever sense of humor. You have the patience and strength of a Lion, setting the pace for the rest of us."
"Joe was a one-of-a-kind person. He will be missed."
"Joe was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. He was fun to be around and always had a good word for everyone and a pithy comment about world events. I’m so glad I got to know him and am proud to have him as my cousin. They broke the mold when they made him."
"Joe was a solid member and a lot of fun to be with."
"Joe was a man of quiet strength, determination, dry wit and possessed a charming smile. He was passionate about his family, physical fitness, and could philosophize at length about life’s ironies."
Joe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We Remember!