“We are incredibly saddened by the passing of Robert “Bob” Pallo. Since 1977, Bob had called the Raceway home and has spearheaded several departments over his 4 decades of service. In his most recent role of Vice President, Military Affairs, Bob was the primary coordinator for all Military support and appreciation activities. Bob’s many accomplishments, awards and contributions are countless. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Ginny and the entire Pallo family. Bob was a cherished member of the Pocono family and will be dearly missed.”
Please consider donating to the Pallo family in honor of Bob. Donations will go directly to the family to assist with medical bills. Please CLICK HERE for more information.
A memorial service will be held at Pocono Raceway on Wednesday, September 29, at 11:30 a.m.
Remembering Bob Pallo Tribute Video
Bob Pallo- Pocono Raceway Accomplishments & highlights
Bob Pallo was the Vice President, Military Affairs of Pocono Raceway. Promoted to this position in January of 2016, Bob was the primary coordinator for all Military participation at Pocono Raceway – coordinating all Military support and appreciation activities including but not limited to: Military VIPs, Drill Teams, Enlistment Ceremonies, Gold Star Families, Troop to Track programs, National Anthem, Color Guard and flyover’s. He was responsible for and coordinated the track’s “Pocono Ambassador” Program and worked with NASCAR, the television networks, and the Pre-Race staff on the minute-by-minute timing for all of the pre-race activities.
In 1984, Bob was able to secure the first Military Fly-by for a NASCAR Event, working the request through all Department of Defense channels, with the final approval coming from Lt. Commander Shram, OASD/PA, who at the time controlled and approved all Military aviation support for Air Shows.
In his position prior to 2016, Bob was V. P. Corporate Sales. In this position, Bob was responsible for all Corporate Sales, finalizing and maintaining all contracts and trade agreements as well as inventory control of all non ticket merchandise for the Raceway.
Bob began his career at Pocono not long after completing Photography Trade School in Philadelphia. He started his own photography businesses specializing in Commercial and Resort photography. In 1977 he began taking pictures for the Raceway. In the fall of 1978, Bob was named “Official track Photographer and Director of Sales”.
With a passion to recognize the sacrifice of those who serve, Bob was responsible for distributing 10s of thousands of tickets to active military members and their families, inviting them to attend the events as Honored Guests of Pocono Raceway, the late Dr. Joe Mattioli, and the entire Mattioli Family.
Military Related Personal Highlights:
- 1984 Secured first Military Fly-by for a NASCAR Event (Approved by Lt. CMD Shram OASD / PA)
- 2009 ~ 2010 Served as the Vice President of the VFW post 3448
- 2011 October Oath of Office and Named The First “Honorary Commander” 314th Air Force RS (Retained position through 3 Change of Commands)
- 2013 October Named “Civilian Group Commander” 360th AFRS Group
- 2016 June Secured, with SAF Approval, the First re-scheduled flyby mission for a Monday NASCAR event at Pocono
- 2016 July Secured with SAF Approval, the First Go Cam Coverage of a Flyby by the Co-Pilot of a T-38 Flyby
- 2017 Secured the Golden Knights to Perform at the ABC 500 IndyCar Event
- 2018 June, secured the Golden Knights “Black Team” to perform at the Pocono 400 NASCAR Cup event. The Golden Knights First Ever NASCAR Cup Event performance.
Military Related Awards / Presentations / Metals Highlights
- 2008 September, Recipient of the 2008 NGAUS, (National Guard Association of the United States) Patrick Henry Award, at the National NAGUS Conference, Baltimore Md
- 2010 June Received the Community Covenant Award from Tobyhanna Army Depot
- 2011 ~ 2013 Gold Eagle Award as the Honorary Commander 314th Recruiting Service
- 2012 June Received the Golden Eagle Award from Tobyhanna Army Depot
- 2014 April Awarded The Pennsylvania Meritorious Service Metal presented by MG Wesley Craig, The Adjutant General, and Governor Tom Corbit
- 2014 May Received the Distinguished Civilian Award Presented by The Union League of Philadelphia
- 2014 June Recipient of the Patriotic Civilian Service Metal
- 2104 August Recipient Patriotic Civilian Service Award Presented by the Department of the Army
- 2015 March Presented the Army Infantry Saber, U. S. Army Recruiting Services
- 2016 May 314th RS CoC Ceremony, Inducted into the Civilian Commanders Alumni and Presented with the CCA Lifetime Pin
- 2017 February, Nominated and accepted the position of Vice President of Corporate member relations, Tobyhanna Chapter, AUSA, (Association of the United States Army) Volunteer Position
- 2017 October Recipient of the Commanders Award from the AFRS 360th Recruiting Services Group for Dedication and Support of the Mission of the Air Force Recruiting Service as the Honorary Group Commander
- 2017 November Presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the Monroe County Veterans Association
- 2018 June, Recipient of the 2017 Pa National Guard, Hometown Minuteman Award Presented to the Pocono Raceway Community and Pocono Raceway Department of Military Affairs.
- 2019 Nominated to and accepted board position for the Monroe County Veterans Assoc.
