BELFAST – John L. Palmer, 87, of Belfast passed away March 6, 2005, at a Portland hospital. He was born July 5, 1917, in Belfast the son of John and Alwilda (Clark) Palmer. They lived in Bingham, and Searsport before moving to Belfast at a young age. John worked at the shipyards before joining the merchant marines during World War II. He bought Palmer’s Stationary Store in the late 1940’s and started Home Supply hardware store during the mid 1950’s on Upper Main St. In the 1960’s he moved the hardware store to its current location and retired in 1975. He enjoyed fishing, camping on Swan Lake, and was an avid gardener growing all kinds of berries and apples. After he retired he raised tomatoes for Jed’s Restaurant and had several flower gardens. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Dale Palmer who died in 1998. John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Isabel (Whitcomb) Palmer of Belfast; two daughters, Wendy P. Merry and husband, Les, of Belfast, Julie P. Morse and husband, Greg, of Brunswick; three grandchildren, Aaron Palmer Morse, Dana Scribner and wife, Kirsten, and Tricia Chamber and husband, Larry; seven great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Andrew, Logan, Jake, Jacob, Kaylee, and Paige; and a special thank you to a recent friend and caregiver, Dawn Trundy. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at the Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast with Pastor Lewis Cushman officiating, followed by a time for fellowship and refreshments. Those wishing to make memorial donations may do so to either the Alzheimer’s Association, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871 or the American Cancer Society, 1 Main St., Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.
JOHN L. PALMER
