Gerald James Palmer, Sr.

11/16/2000

Mr. Gerald J. Palmer, Sr., 82, of 20 Hawley Road, Savoy, member of a prominent Adams family and former President & Chairman of the Board of the Adams Cooperative Bank. Died Thursday morning in North Adams Regional Hospital after his admission theere on the 4th of the Month. Death followed a lengthy illness. He was born in Adams on Sept. 25, 1918, son of the late Charles & Margaret (Purcell) Palmer, he attended the Adams Schools and was a member of the Adams High School Class of â€™36. Gerald Palmerâ€™s first entry into a distinguished mercantile career was as a general painting contractor, an organization that he formed early on. At the outbreak of WW II, he entered the U.S. Army and saw service in the European Theatre where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He served with the Yankee Division and was discharged with the rank of S/Sgt. Upon his discharge from the service, Mr. Palmer gained employment with the sales force of Seypher Ford. He later established the Palmer Auto Sales with a location on Commercial St. in Adams for many years. A fixture in the Auto Trade, he retired from the Auto Sales in 1989. A longtime Board member of the Adams Cooperative Bank since 1961, he was an influentia1 member of itsâ€™ finance committee for 40 years, and he became Chairman of the board in Feb. of 1976 and later the Banksâ€˜ President. Mr. Palmer left the Bank for retirement in 1998. A communicant of Notre Dame/St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, he was also a member of Post 160, American Legion and the Berkshire County Sheriffs Association. Gerald Palmer was also a director of the Berkshire Fuel Association of Adams. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, the former Majorie D. Charbonneau whom he married in Notre Dame Church, Adams on Nov. 26th, 1942. The Pastor Monsignor Joseph T. Smith was the officiant. Besides his wife, he leaves a son. Gerald J. Palmer, Jr. of Savoy; a daughter, Kerry Lynn Lahey, also of Savoy; a brother C. Raymond Palmer & his wife . Freda Palmer of Adams and a sister:Mrs. Margaret â€œPegâ€ Gentile of Housatonic. Six grandchildren: Kenneth. Michael, Timothy & Christopher Palmer and Jamie & Jodie Lahey: and 7 great grandchildren. Mr. Palmer was predeceased by 2 brothers, Leo & Kenneth Palmer. The funeral service for Mr. Palmer will be Monday @ 9:15 from the McBride Funeral Home; following a Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated for his life Monday, Nov. 20th at IO am in Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, Adams. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Savoy Volunteer Fire Dept c/o the Savoy Fire House, Savoy Ma 01256. The McBride Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Obituaries

Celebrating Lives & Legacies

Gerald James Palmer, Sr.

Memorials