The Palandro-Ferry Foundation is committed to honoring and memorializing two young Mummers – Dennis Palandro, Jr. and Joseph Ferry – who were members of the South Philadelphia String Band, and Joseph’s fiancé Kelly Wiseley who were tragically killed in a head-on crash in the early hours of January 2, 2019. Ferry’s fiancé, Kelly Wiseley, also lost her life in the accident. The two had just gotten engaged at Christmas.  Palandro’s wife, Nicole, was critically injured in the accident, but survived and has made a full recovery.

The mission of the Foundation is to support the family, friends and communities of the Foundation, in their time of need, in memory of Denny, Jr., Joe and Kelly.  The Foundation was initially formed by NJ chef, restauranteur and former Mummer Angelo Lutz.  Lutz has been a very close family friend of Palandro’s father, Dennis Sr. (who is the captain of the South Philadelphia String Band), and knew Dennis Jr. for his entire life.