Obituary of Robert J. Palmer

Palmer, Robert J.

Penfield: Oct. 23, 2017, age 85. Predeceased by his parents Rupert & Grace Palmer, his brother Rupert and sister-in law Anne Palmer Jr., and their son, Dudley. Survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary; his children, Dr. Robert (Kasia) Palmer Jr., Daniel (Victoria) Palmer, Jonathan S. Palmer and Lydia Palmer; grandchildren, Justin, Andrew, Hannah, Susana, and Cameron; brother-in-law and twin sister of Mary Palmer, Susan & Jack Gross; nieces, nephews.

Mr. Palmer was part of the first Industrial Systems Engineering degree graduating class at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He remained a fan of Volunteers Football, and Lady Vols Basketball throughout his life. He was also a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. An ROTC graduate and also USAF Officer, he was stationed in Europe for 2 years after graduation. He and his new wife Mary spent their first years together touring Germany, Italy, Austria and Switzerland, and continued to talk about those memories until his death.

Mr. Palmer worked for the same steam turbine manufacturing company his entire career, although the name changed over the years - Studebaker-Worthington, McGraw Edison, Turbodyne, and retiring from Dresser Rand in Wellsville, NY.  Serving in Sales and Sales Management, he traveled the world building partnerships with governments and large energy production companies. Still, his company location in a small western New York town kept him connected to his ideals, most notably family, faith, and community. He was a member of the Wellsville Rotary, which honored him with the Paul Harris Fellow Award, and he helped to found the Wellsville Bible Church.

He and his wife moved to Rochester, NY, to be near family and enjoy retirement. He spent a great deal of time helping his children with their homes and families, planning family vacations to the Outer Banks, being chauffer and mentor to his youngest grandson, enjoying local family-run restaurants, and making new friends through Browncroft Community Church Bible Study groups.

The family is grateful to Dr. Daniel King and his staff, Highland Hospital, the Leo Center For Caring, and members of the Penfield Volunteer Emergency Ambulance. Service and Interment will be held in Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, friends may make a donation to the Penfield Volunteer Emergency Ambulance, PO Box 220, Penfield, NY 14526.