Allan Montgomery Palmer
Weightlifter and tennis player played taps at veterans' funerals
Allan Montgomery Palmer, 83, passed away on Friday, Feb. 8, 2019, in Naples, Fla., surrounded by his loving family. He was born in New Jersey and spent most of his life in Rahway before moving to Naples in 2016.
Allan attended Eastern Arizona College and Rutgers University. He worked as a senior research technician at Exxon for 31 years, retiring in 1995.
Known to most as "Big Al" because of a strength that came in many forms, most obvious was his physical strength. Allan trained most of his life as a weightlifter, competing in the 1964 World's Fair as a young man and in the USA Senior Masters in his later years, where he held the national record for the 65 to 69 age group. Allan was also an avid tennis player and competed in the Garden State Senior Games for many years.
He had a love for music and the arts. He played his trumpet for 60 years and was a member of numerous marching bands. His most fulfilling gig was as a member of "Buglers Across America," attending the funeral services of veterans and playing taps. While all of these accomplishments would justify his name, it was his kind spirit that made him big. Al was a soft spoken man with a sweet smile that people naturally gravitated to. He had a clever sense of humor, he believed in the power of laughter, kind words, long talks and big hugs.
Allan is survived by his wife of 55 years, RoseAnn Rotella Palmer; his three children, Dawn Palmer Sjonell (Peter), Kimberly Palmer Kain (Larry) and Allan Palmer Jr. (Michelle); and his nine grandchildren, Heather, Alexis, Max, Zack, Lauren, Julia, Jamie, Ryan and Ellie.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Support Network, 660 Tamiami Tr. N., Suite 21, Naples, Fla. 34102, www.support.network