Douglas Richard Palmer

CANASTOTA...
Douglas Richard Palmer, 87, of 215 Second Street, Canastota, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully with his loving wife by his side on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at his home, following a lengthy illness.
He was born on October 22, 1938, in Canastota, the son of the late George and Amanda (Willson) Palmer.
Doug has lived in Canastota all of his life, graduating from Canastota High School in 1956, and SUNY Canton in 1958, with an Associate's Degree in Business.
During high school he was active in sports, especially wrestling. As a proud member of the United States Army, Doug continued his wrestling endeavors representing his base at Ft. Bliss, TX. Honorably discharged in 1963, Doug continued with the National Guard until 1967.
On June 11, 1960, Doug married his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Lisi, in Canastota. For the next 65 years, they shared a love and laughter that created many lasting memories, especially those involving his family and sports.
Doug grew up on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work, tradition, and family. He lived by this mantra, passing these values on to his family. He enjoyed teaching, coaching, attending, and watching sports with his family. He was the number one supporter of his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. Spending time with his family was his favorite pastime.
He was the manager of various trucking transportation companies in Syracuse for twenty-five years, and later worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Syracuse for twenty years, retiring in 2004.
Doug believed in the power of sports and its impact on youth. He took an active role in the Canastota Recreational Programs, coaching baseball for over 20 years and serving as a coach for the Canastota Pop Warner Football program. He was also a basketball official for over 40 years and a football referee for over 30 years. Additionally, Doug was a member of the American Legion Post #230 in Sherrill, the Canastota Wrestling Club, Canastota Sports Booster Club, Basketball Official Association, and the Football Referees Association for Section 3.
Surviving beside his wife, Carol, are his four children, Richard and Shawne Palmer of Canastota, Karen and Timothy Kimball of Oneida, Stephanie Palmer of Canastota, and David and Jacquelyn Palmer of Palmyra, PA; seven grandchildren, Kami Palmer and Joe Bak, Katie and Kyle Chase, Kari Kimball, Alexander Leary, David Palmer, Jr., Cade Palmer, and Jordan Palmer; four great grandchildren, Kinsleigh and Tanner Chase, and Dominic and Adelae Bak; step-great grandchildren, Ethan, Schyler, Wyatt, and Maddox Bennett; one brother, Gilbert Palmer of Oneida; one sister, Gail Hood of Canastota; sisters-in-law, Marge Stokes Palmer of Canastota, and Donna and Charles Aichner of Chittenango; as well as many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Doug was pre-deceased by two brothers, Vernon Palmer, and Lawrence and Peg Palmer; and three sisters, Bernice and Carl Narehood, Lois and Fred Stokes, and Shirley and Larry Warner; brother-in-law, Albert Hood; sister-in-law, Linda Palmer; a special nephew, Daniel Aichner; and in-laws, Dominic "Jab" and Dorothy Lisi.
Calling hours will be held from 1 to 3 and 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at St. Agatha's Church, 329 N. Peterboro Street, Canastota. The Rev. Christopher Ballard and Rev. Kevin Maloney will officiate. Burial will be in St. Agatha's Cemetery, Canastota.
In his memory, contributions may be made to the Canastota Raider Wrestling Club, 400 N. Main Street, Canastota, NY 13032, or to the Greater Lenox Ambulance Service, PO Box 382, Canastota, NY 13032, with envelopes available at the funeral home.