Robert Oliver Palmer, 59, of Waltham, MA, formerly of Paxton, MA entered eternal rest on December 14, 2018 after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. He is welcomed in heaven by both his parents, Oliver C. Palmer (d. 1965) and Elizabeth P. Scott (d. 2000) along with countless ancestors.
Born in Valley Stream, Long Island, NY in 1959, Robert “Bobby” was an energetic boy when at just 5 years old the family lost a father. Afterwards, Bob found his outlet in sports, thus beginning his lifelong pursuit. He was an avid baseball player and a Mets fan, thus following a dream becoming part of the minor leagues of the Mets, as well as playing college football and baseball. He then traded in his pitcher’s mitt for a tennis racket in his early 20s. He was an accomplished competitor in the USTA New England Tennis League for over 20 years and seasonally worked as a tennis pro.
Robert graduated from Wilbraham-Monson Academy, and upon graduation attended Kentucky State University where his joy came on the pitcher’s mound, later transferring to Clark Atlanta University where he was an active member of the college gospel choir. Robert also served in the Air Force Reserve for 7 years.
In civilian life he flourished in salesmanship with decades of budding entrepreneurial ventures and multiple ongoing projects. He earned a Master's degree in Education from Cambridge College, MA.
In the late 1970s, Robert lived briefly in Los Angeles with his sister Laura and worked as a chaperone/chauffeur and occasional (tennis & basketball) playmate to the Jackson Five family.
His personality was one of the best things about him, his smile would be able to light up a room and his laugh was so joyful you could hear it from the heavens. Bobs positivity was something that made him so unique, and his love for others was so big it made everyone around him feel special. He fiercely loved his family & was especially proud of his children. An involved parent, he was keenly aware of what he missed by not having his father when growing up. His love for his children was bigger than his whole world around him. His other loves include Christmas, family vacations on Martha’s Vineyard, smooth jazz & gospel music, playing cards and teaching tennis, playing tennis & ping pong. But his ultimate professional satisfaction came from his years working as an adjunct professor at Suffolk University where he taught Organizational Business Behavior. A devoted teacher, Robert tried valiantly to get to attend final presentations in his classes days before he passed.
Robert is survived by his two children, Gabriella Alexandra Palmer a Junior at University of New Hampshire and his wife Pamela Palmer from Paxton, MA, In-laws Elvia and Juan Andrade of Paxton, MA, Brother-in-laws Pablo Andrade of Denville, NJ & Juan Carlos Andrade of Guayaquil, Ecuador. His three sisters, Carol Palmer Sullivan & Tyrone Sullivan of Springfield, MA, Helen Palmer Moorhead & Joseph Shelly Moorhead of Longmeadow, MA & St. Thomas, VI, and Laura Palmer Edwards & Mark Edwards of Waltham, MA, his two nieces Jennifer E. Hoffman Bass & Gary Bass of Windsor, Ct, and Kristen V. Moorhead of Takoma Park, MD, and great nephews, Che Moorhead, Boston & Brave Bass. He also leaves countless great friends and beloved family animals, Rudy of Paxton, Rumi and Alicat of Waltham.
Profound thanks to his Church family whose faith in action kept him strong and encouraged the family when needed. Gratitude to the excellent Oncology team at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, doctors, nurses, and administrative staff who lovingly cared for Robert during his illness, as well as those who tended to Robert while a patient at Wellesley Dialysis Center and the week with The Hospice of the Good Shepherd.
Service will be held on Saturday December 22, 2018 at 11 am at the Boston Church of Christ, 214 Concord St Framingham, MA. Following the service there will be a repast to gather together to celebrate the life of Robert Palmer. Private burial will be held at Paxton Center Cemetery.