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RFH 2010, Passings

Updated: Bob Palmiter, Former Mayor, Supervisor Dies

Tue, Jul 13, 2010

Bob Palmiter, former mayor of the village and town supervisor, passed away quietly Saturday morning at his Lake Moraine camp surrounded by family. The service is 11am Wednesday, July 14 at Park United Methodist Church with a reception to follow at the Colgate Inn.

Updated: Bob Palmiter, Former Mayor, Supervisor Dies

A man who greatly influenced the look and life of the village died recently, but his legacy lives on in some of Hamilton's most treasured institutions.

Dr. Robert B. Palmiter, 85, passed away peacefully, Saturday July 10. Aside from having a successful, 53-year-long chiropractic practice in the village for many years, Dr. Palmiter was involved in local politics and is credited with protecting and refurbishing the village green, founding the Farmers' Market and helping renovate several of Hamilton's iconic structures.

And, he is fondly remembered and respected by those who worked with him.

Chuck Fox is one of those people. He said:

"Bob  was a gentleman in the fullest sense of the word. Serving with Bob when he chaired the Village Green Restoration project was an opportunity to learn what had always made him such an exceptional community leader.  He had a vision for Hamilton, and a gift for engaging people from throughout the community and then listening to their ideas to get the best outcome. Bob was kind and charming and gracious, and he loved Hamilton."

Mayor Sue McVaugh shares Fox's sentiments:

"Bob took on the onerous task of heading up the Park Committee when we decided that it was time for a complete Park Do-over about 15 years ago. He skillfully and patiently worked through a public participation process, bringing everyone around to the design that we now have. All of us who sit in, walk through, skateboard (!) in, splash in, listen to music in, shop at the Market in, are forever grateful for his clear mind, good soul and hard work. I am glad that he was still with us to know that we honored him on the 35th anniversary of the wonderful Farmers' Market which he founded in July, 1975."

Dr. Palmiter was born in Utica on July 6, 1925, the third child of Harold Dean and Edith Samson Palmiter. He graduated in 1943 from the Newton High School, Newton, MA, in 1948 from the Chiropractic Institute of New York; and in 1952 did post-graduated work at the National College of Chiropractic.He opened his practice in Hamilton in November of 1952.

He was a member of the Park United Methodist Church having served as trustee and a 40 year-plus member of the choir. Dr. Palmiter also was a life member and past master of the Hamilton Masonic Lodge #120, past president of district #11 of the New York Chiropractic Association of New York and served as a delegate to the New York State Chiropractic Association and was a 53- year member and past president of the Hamilton Rotary Club.

Dr. Palmiter was also chairman of the Colgate Inn feasibility study prior to its first renovation, saving it from a scheduled demolition.

Served as Mayor of Hamilton for two terms, Supervisor of the Town of Hamilton serving at the county level on the Madison County Board of Supervisors, and also was a member of numerous committees through the years.

He had a continuing interest in 18th Century American antiques and enjoyed collecting, furnishing and restoring the old stone house near the Colgate Inn. The house was previously owned by the famous Colgate football coach Andy Kerr and was featured in the 1997 January-February Issue of Colonial Homes.

Dr. Palmiter took great pleasure in the camaraderie and singing with the Blue Parsley Boys, a Hamilton area men's singing group, traveling and summers at the cottage at Lake Moraine.

He also was instrumental in the re-establishment of the village Fourth of July parade which draws thousands of people each year, the development of Madison Lane Apartments and the rejuvenation of the museum in the Hamilton Village Library.

He is survived by his loving wife, the former Jean Henty of Oneida, two daughters Ann Palmiter of Barrington, RI; Dr. Priscilla Palmiter of Baltimore, MD and a niece Christine Hamilton of Tupelo, MS.

He was predeceased by a brother Gene Palmiter and a sister Louise Hamilton.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Park United Methodist Church. There are no calling hours. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

Contributions in Dr. Palmiter’s memory may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. 4277 Middle Settlement Rd. New Hartford, NY 13413.

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