PALMER, Allan of Montvale, NJ and Needham, MA. He passed peacefully at home in the presence of his family on Sunday November 6, 2022 and joined his beloved wife Therese Palmer née Toomey in heaven. He was born in New York in 1929 to Martin and Dorothy Palmer. His older brothers Martin and Roy, and twin brother Jim passed on before him.
You could call him Al, but he more enthusiastically responded to “Pop Pop.” Pop Pop graduated from Hofstra University, started his career at the New York Telephone Company. He began dating his co-worker Therese Toomey in 1961 and they married on September 16, 1962. They built their home in Montvale. By 1965, they were blessed with 3 daughters, Kathleen, Mary, and Carol. After a successful career, he retired from Verizon Corporation as an Associate Director in the Information Systems Organization.
Continuing his lifelong passion for music, Pop Pop joined the Chorus of the Tappan Zee right before he retired. Always the overachiever, he remained a member for 25 years, singing tenor and lead for the “Senior Class Octet.” Given his love for the outdoors, it was not surprising Pop Pop had a legendary green thumb. There were always fresh seasonal flowers in the front of his home, and he could name the species of any twig the grandchildren collected on their nature walks. Though he made a point of protesting, he would always indulge in a little something sweet for dessert, especially if it was dark chocolate with a touch of sea salt.
Although his father passed away when he was three months old, he worked hard to be the best Dad to his three daughters and beloved Pop Pop to his eight grandchildren, the extended Palmer/Toomey families, and countless friends. There was always a twinkle in his eye and a grin on his face. His grandchildren have fond memories of Pop Pop’s bird book, dance parties, summers at the Cape, the little pink house, Yo Pop Pop, playing cards, exploring the outdoors, and puzzling over crossword puzzles. But be careful, you knew you were in trouble if you got “the Look.” He was deeply loved by all and will be truly missed.
Cherished husband of 49 years of Therese M Palmer of Montvale, NJ. Beloved father of three daughters, Dr. Kathleen Palmer Kerns of West Chester, PA and her husband Herbert Kerns and their children Ellen, James and Michael, and Mary Palmer Buffinger of Needham, MA and her husband Nicholas Buffinger and their children Jonathan, Katharine, and Abigail, and Carol Palmer Winig of Needham, MA and her husband Andrew Winig and their children Emily and Allison. Beloved Uncle and Great Uncle of the extended Toomey and Palmer families.
We are forever indebted to Marilyn and Team Ireland for their loving and compassionate care for Pop Pop over the last two years.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16) Wellesley on Thursday, November 10th from 4-7 p.m. A private service and burial will be held in New York. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to either Donate Life America or the Highland Glee Club.