Ringing in Christmas: John Palatucci

by Hugo Bravo

John Palatucci’s first encounter with The Salvation Army was the Hollywood version, as depicted in the film “Guys and Dolls.” But long before he saw that famous movie musical, before it even existed, Palatucci says, his mother herself benefited from the Army’s ministries.

“My grandmother was a single parent during the Great Depression. She and my mother bounced around from town to town and from church to church,” says Palatucci. “They settled in Pompton Lakes, N.J., and while there, my mother spent some of her summers at Star Lake Camp in Bloomingdale.”

Years later, John and his wife, Kathleen, were members of a church that gave support and donations to the Cornerstone House, the Montclair Citadel’s shelter for families and individuals experiencing homelessness.

“Being members at the time of a church in Montclair, we had many opportunities to partner with and support the ministry of The Salvation Army’s Montclair Citadel,” he says. “As a ruling elder as well as our church choir’s soprano soloist, Kathy arranged for the proceeds from an annual Christmas service of music to go to Cornerstone. We also co-sponsored concerts and recitals with members of the Montclair Citadel Band when it was led by Philip Smith and Charles Baker.”

The Army was also there for John’s family. During one particularly trying period, members of the Montclair Citadel ministered by opening their doors and hearts to one of his children.

“We have three children who are presently very happy and involved in professions that I would call people-oriented,” says Palatucci. “But, like many families, we have gone through times with serious difficulties. One of our children, after needing to move back home, was driving around Montclair’s busy streets looking for parking, finding a space in front of The Salvation Army Montclair Citadel. On its doors was a HELP WANTED sign.

“He walked in, completed an application, and began volunteering as a custodian. He found a group of Christian believers outside of his immediate family that supported him. I want to say that he was at the Citadel most every day. Their ministry played a huge part in his getting well.”

That child, now a committed Christ follower, has gone on to earn a Ph.D. and is employed by a major university, happily married, active in a church, and living in New York City.

“John Lennon sang that ‘Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans,’” says Palatucci. “I don’t want to think about where our family would be without the work of The Salvation Army. We are very grateful.”

Kettle memories

Every Christmas season since 2011, Palatucci, a professional euphonium and trombone player, performs at a kettle. He has many memories about taking part in this yearly ministry.

Once, he showed up to his kettle assignment on a particularly frigid day. The members of the Montclair Citadel who greeted him were surprised to see him carrying his euphonium. “It’s pretty cold out here,” one remarked. Undaunted, Palatucci launched into what he thought would be a pithy version of “Let It Snow.” Barely into playing the seasonal song’s opening line — “Oh! The weather outside is fright … CLUNK!” — his valves seized and the Montclair Citadel members could only look on with we-tried-to-tell-you expressions.

“I only sang that day” says Palatucci.

“Another time while shopping, I met a bell ringer beautifully playing the euphonium. I walked up to him with a stern face and could see that he thought I was going to say something about not wanting to hear Christmas carols.” Palatucci says he told the bell ringer, “I don’t want to hear that. How about ‘Song of the Brother’?” Upon the request for the well-known, virtuosic Salvation Army solo, the man was initially taken aback. Palatucci recalls, “The gentleman narrowed his gaze, offered me his horn, and said, ‘You first.’ We both then had a good laugh.”

No matter the temperature, no matter the music, Palatucci volunteers during December kettle season, often bringing along musician friends to play with him. Though they may not have the same connection to The Salvation Army as he does, they all look forward to it every year just the same. For Palatucci, however, it’s more than a yearly tradition. It’s his way of thanking The Salvation Army for the impact it has made on the lives of those closest to him, from his mother down to his own children.

“A charge to keep have I,” he says. “And if I can pay that debt by being out there for The Salvation Army and sharing the message of CHRISTmas with neighbors and friends by playing carols, then I’m happy to do it. I’ve seen that when you work to bless others, you end up being blessed yourself, in equal if not even greater measure.”