Alan B. Palmer

1934 - 2022

Palmer Alan B. Alan was born in Syracuse, NY in 1934. He received his BA and a PhD from Syracuse University. He served in the US Army as a Soldier-Scientist at the Army Chemical Center in Edgewater, MD. In 1963 Alan joined the DuPont Company at their Experimental Station facilities. In his 28 year career with the company he held supervisory and management positions in research, technical service, sales, safety, manufacturing, health and environment. Upon retirement he consulted in the environmental field with Dupont. In 1959 Al married Yvonne Matoushek of Poyntelle, PA and they reached the 50 year mark in 2009. Unfortunately, she succumbed to MS that same year. He subsequently married Linda Mahan of West Chester in 2010 and she predeceased him in 2015. Alan enjoyed reading, birding, travel, and the performing arts, particularly symphonic music, opera and ballet. He was a subscriber to the Pennsylvania/Philadelphia Ballet for over 25 years. He was also an early supporter of the BalletX company and was proud of their accomplishments over the past 17 years. In addition, he supported many nonprofit organizations in the fields of women's health and safety, inner city childhood development, and conservation. He was an active secular humanist supporting Center for Inquiry, Freedom from Religion Foundation and Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Following the 2016 election he became an active advocate for women Democratic candidates and was an early supporter of Representative Chrissy Houlihan. He loved playing bridge with his core group of friends but also promoted evenings at the ballet and orchestra, tailgating at the Hagley Fireworks, dining at his favorite restaurant San Nicola and enjoying birds and nature. Al passed away at home on October 5, 2022. He leaves behind no survivors but many very special friends who will miss his kindness, generosity, and unparalleled enthusiasm for life. Memorial gifts may be given to any of the above named organizations or to a special favorite of Alan's, The American Chestnut Foundation in Asheville, NC. He has left his body to Humanities Gifts Registry for research or teaching use.