Joel Carabuena Palo of Leesburg, VA suddenly joined his Creator at their home on Thursday, 6 ^th day of January 2022.  He lived a beautiful and meaningful 51 years.  He was born in Manila, Philippines on March 24, 1970 and moved to Virginia on September 2017.  Joel was preceded by his late father, Dionisio Centeno Palo and sister Marissa Carabuena Palo.  Although youngest in the family, he was survived by his mom, Luisita Palo, siblings Lorna Palo-Alacbay and Dennis Palo, brother-in-law, Eddie Alacbay and nephew, Lorenz Palo-Alacbay.

Joel carried two (2) Bachelor degrees.  He earned Bachelor in Accountancy from Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Unciano Colleges and General Hospital, also in the Philippines.  He spent five (5) years working as nurse in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates prior migrating to the United States of America and eventually work at Inova Health Systems in Lansdowne then to Cornwall.

He left a wonderful banking career to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a nurse to give way to his ultimate passion of caring for others.  He was a very committed nurse.  He did his best to perform his duties well with joy in his heart.   His other passion was singing.  He had joined several singing competitions wherein he brought home the grand prize twice.

Joel never wasted the time. He travelled to many parts of the world including the Holy Land.

He lived his favorite quote:

"Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it.  The time will pass anyway." – Earl Nightingale

And had left a legacy of how to truly love others and just have a good heart.  It was evident by one of his Facebook posts in which he stated:

"Thank You, LORD for giving me another year – another year to dream, to live, to enjoy, to share, to celebrate and to execute whatever were left unexecuted in my life…and I pray that You will always guide me, support me and help me become a better person everyday."

Joel Carabuena Palo, USRN

Family will receive friends on Friday, January 21 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg, 201 Edwards Ferry Rd., NE, Leesburg, VA 20176.  A mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, January 22 at 12:00 noon at Saint John The Apostle Catholic Church, 101 Oak Crest Manor Drive, Leesburg, VA 20176.  Interment will be at Saint John Cemetery.  Please join the family at a Celebration of Life in the church's Fellowship Hall at 2:00 pm.