Richard J. Palmer, age 81 of Fremont, NH, formerly of Port Richey, FL and Wilmington passed away January 6th, at the Exeter Hospital in New Hampshire following a lengthy illness. He was the beloved husband of Doris (Lopshire) Palmer and together they shared 58 years of marriage. Born in Boston he was the son of the late Frank and Louise (Haley) Palmer.
Richard was raised and educated in Somerville. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp on March 8, 1948 and honorably served his country during the Korean War. He attained the rank of Corporal and was a recipient of the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in the war. Upon his return to civilian life he began his career as a refrigeration technician with the RCA Service Co. of North Andover where he worked for nearly thirty years. He also worked for ten years with the Stanley Tool Company in Woburn prior to his retirement. Together with his beloved wife Doris they resided in Wilmington for 39 years where they raised their family. When Richard retired they moved to Port Richey, Florida where they lived for 16 years before moving back to New Hampshire 2 months ago to be closer to family. Throughout his life Richard enjoyed fishing, bowling and was an avid collector of Franklin Mint Fire Trucks. He was a former member of the Wilmington Knights of Columbus.
In addition to his beloved wife, Richard is survived by his children, Robert Palmer of Salem, NH, Michael Palmer of Fremont, NH and Susan Palmer of Dedham, MA. He was the loving grandfather of Timothy, Heather, Michael, and Sean Palmer and was the loving great grandfather of Evelyn and Scarlett Palmer. He was the brother of the late Marion Duncan, Ruth Palmer, Alice MacIntyre, Rita Usher, Robert Palmer and Arlene Burns.
Funeral services will be held from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 374 Main St., Wilmington, on Thursday, January 10th, at 11 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave, at 12 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the Dello Russo Funeral Home will be on Wednesday from 4 thru 8 p.m. Services will conclude with military honors and burial in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington