Edward Winston Palmer Jr.

Edward Winston Palmer, Jr., 77, of Summit and Beach Haven West, NJ, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025.
Born on September 28, 1948, in Summit, NJ, Ed was the son of Anna (née Rudow) and Edward W. Palmer, Sr. He grew up in Chatham and attended Oratory Prep and Chatham High School. Following his graduation, he was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served during the Vietnam War until his honorable discharge in 1971.
He dedicated 33 years to the United States Post Office before retiring in 2003. In retirement, Ed found great joy in serving his community as the Washington School playground monitor and crossing guard, a role he adored. He was a longtime member of Summit Elks Lodge #1246, American Legion Post 322, and the Vietnam Veterans of America.
Ed enjoyed hobbies that ranged from taxidermy to boating, fishing, and crabbing. He especially treasured summers spent with his family in Ship Bottom and Beach Haven West. Above all, he had a lifelong passion for classic cars, devoting countless hours to restoring and caring for his 1931/1940 Fords and 1955 Chevy Bel Air.
As Rick Bragg, The Prince of Frogtown, best said, "since cars are the way working-class people truly mark time, listen to them when they are groping for a memory, and they will find it beside a yellow Oldsmobile or a baby-blue Malibu."
Ed is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Patricia (née Luppino) Palmer; his loving children, Jerome Palmer and his wife Maria, Nicole Zalkin and her husband Jarrad; his sister, Maryann Shannon and her husband Terry; and his sister-in-law, Sara Petraccoro, and her husband Jerry. He was the cherished grandfather of Jerry Jr., Gavin, Zachary, and Cooper, and is also survived by his dear nieces and nephews, Karen, Crystal, Joe, and Jerry and his adored dog, Daisy.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation on Monday, December 15th, from 4:00–8:00 PM at Paul Ippolito Summit Memorial, 7 Summit Ave, Summit, NJ. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 16th at the funeral home, with gathering beginning at 9:30 AM and the service commencing at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Teresa's Cemetery, Passaic Ave, Summit.
Memorial donations may be made in Edward's honor to the Vietnam Veterans of America by visiting their website at https://vva.org/