Obituary of Thomas Russell Palmer

Mr. Thomas Russell Palmer, 66, of Langley Rd., Amsterdam, passed away Monday Morning November 9, 2009 at home following a courageous battle with ALS. Born in Amsterdam, NY on October 13th, 1943 the son of Russell I. and Elizabeth C. Chapin Palmer. Mr. Palmer attended Amsterdam High School before moving to Colorado where he graduated in 1962 from Cherry Creek High School in Englewood, Colorado. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of the Vietnam War serving aboard the U.S.S. Putnam and the U.S.S. Malloy. Following his Naval Service he came back to the area. He lived near Altamont, NY for four years before returning to Amsterdam. Tom was employed by the former Niagara Mohawk Power Corp. now National Grid for over 30 years working as a Gas Mechanic. Prior to working for Niagara Mohawk he worked for 2 ½ years at G.E. in Schenectady in building #273. Mr. Palmer was a member of the 25 year NIMO Club. He was also a member and served on the Board of Directors of the Montgomery County S.P.C.A. He along with his late wife were members of the Sacandaga Swingers Square Dance Club in Gloversville. He also was a member and served on the Board of the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club. Tom was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amsterdam where he served on the Church Council and sang in the Choir. Tom and his wife Carol loved to travel and visited some of the many National Parks and National Wildlife Refuges throughout the country. He married Carol A. Jager Palmer on September 7, 1968. She passed away on August 19, 2002. Survivors include his mother Elizabeth C. Palmer of Amsterdam. Two sisters, Shirley Palmer of Amsterdam and Margaret Alling of Gloversville. Nieces and nephews, Jennifer Kelly Chris, Devin Alling and Brian Alling Becky. Cousins also survive. He was also predeceased by his father Russell I. Palmer. Funeral services will be held on Saturday November 14, 2009 at 11:00A.M. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam with Pastor William Hodgetts presiding. Interment following cremation will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Tribes Hill, NY with full military honors. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday November 13, 2009 from 4:00 to 7:00PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Montgomery County S.P.C.A. or to a Charity of One's Choice.