Raymond Adrian Palmer

May 6, 1954 – April 27, 2026

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Raymond was born in Catskill, a son of the late Marcella VanWormer Palmer and Homer Palmer.  On January 1, 1955, he suffered a fall that rendered him with a traumatic brain injury.  Although it was not customary in the 1950’s to keep a child at home with such injuries, his mother could not, and would not, institutionalize him.  Mrs. Palmer made it her life’s effort to raise him, to the best of her ability, for 48 years.  Upon her death in 2002, Raymond found a new and wonderful home with COARC of Columbia County.

Ray has had a very fulfilling life on Lake Street in Valatie for the last 24 years. Wherever he went, he brought joy and a smile to everyone he saw. He will be greatly missed by many people who touched his life, and whose lives he touched, in so many ways. He has had his lifetime dream come true when he became a DJ on WGXC-FM with his dear friend, Jared Widjeskog on Sugar Shack Jukebox.  Twice a year, he would welcome call-in requests at the station, on his birthday and at Christmas.

Ray is survived by his brothers, Homer, Michael (Kathleen), and Mark (Carol) Palmer; and his sister, Ada Palmer.  Ray had many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.  His nephew, Jesse Giovanniello was his favorite.  Ray spent many Christmases and weekends with Jesse and his sons, Gabe and Dylan.

Calling hours will be Saturday, May 2 from 1 to 3 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville.  A memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to COARC, P.O. Box 2, Mellenville, NY 12544, so that more people can have the full and happy life that Ray had.

Condolences may be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.

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