Obituary of Richard James Palmer

Richard J. Palmer, age 82, of Bath, NY died June 2, 2016 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, NY. Dick, as he was known to those close to him, was born January 19, 1934, in Bath, NY, the son of Walter and Maude (Platt) Palmer. Dick met his high school sweetheart , Joann Kish, and they married on July 2, 1955 at St. Mary's Church. They had four children. Dick was a graduate of Haverling High School, Class of 1953, where he was an outstanding athlete and excelled at playing football. He retired from Taylor Wine Company after 38 years and he had also worked at Lane Pipe in Bath. He was a wonderful provider for his family, a Civil War (Gettysburg) aficionado, enjoyed watching Westerns and loved his family and dogs. Throughout his life he was afforded the blessing to live his life to the fullest and traveled throughout the United States on many family vacations. Gettysburg, PA, Myrtle Beach, SC and trips out west were some of his favorite places to visit. He is survived by three sons, Richard J. II (Joy) Palmer of Bath, NY, Craig (Doreen) Palmer of Bath and Jeffrey (Erika) Palmer of Alexandria, VA, his daughter Diane (Mike) Bly of Bath; eight grandchildren, Stacy, Brian, Gregory, Michael, Blake, Kristopher, Angela and Logan; great grandchildren, Matthew, Emily, Meera, Mason and Spencer, brother Robert 'Bud' Palmer and sister Thelma (Roger) Shaut and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Joann Palmer, grandson Andrew, and sister Madelyn 'Susie' Ritter. Calling hours will be held on Sunday June 5th from 6:00-8:00PM and Monday June 6th from Noon-1:00 pm at Fagan's Funeral Home, 31 West Morris St., Bath, NY. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home with Reverend Jay LaScolea officiating.. Burial will follow in Nondaga Cemetery, Bath. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Dick's name may be made to the Finger Lakes SPCA, 7315 State Route 54, Bath, NY 14810.