Joseph Palermo of Edgartown died on Sept. 17. He was 93.

Joseph was born in Montreal in 1921 and moved with his family to New York city in 1923. He became a naturalized citizen when he enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces in 1941. He spent four years as a tank commander in the Pacific Ocean theater and was awarded a bronze star for valor and a purple heart.

He worked as a butcher after the war and then owned and operated a motel and restaurants in and around St. Augustine, Fla., before moving to Martha’s Vineyard in 2009.

His passion in later life was painting in watercolors. He painted countless houses and lighthouses and took a special interest in depicting the play of light and shadow on buildings.

Joseph is survived by his son Gregory Palermo of Edgartown, grandchildren Jenna Brown of Stroudsburg, Pa., and Joseph Palermo of Fort Wayne, Ind., and great-grandchild Joseph Palermo, also of Fort Wayne. He was predeceased by his wife Frances and sons Peter and Paul.

A lunch to honor Joseph’s memory will be held at the Edgartown Council on Aging’s The Anchors on Friday, Oct. 24, at noon. Guests can call 508-627-4368 to confirm attendance.