ONEONTA – Ransom Carver Palmer Jr., passed away on Friday, June 25, 2010 at his home, surrounded by his family.


Carver was born in Oneonta, NY to Ransom Carver Palmer Sr. and Mary Gioia Joy
on February 14, 1937. He was raised from an early age by his grandparents Clifton and Florence Palmer and a devoted Aunt, Helen Mosher, they predeceased him.


He married Madolyn Oliver on September 15, 1957 in the First United Methodist Church, of which Carver was a member since his childhood. Throughout their life together they have continued to be members of this church and have been married there three times. Each of their children was confirmed there and all five of their grandchildren were baptized there, something they found comfort in through the years. They were married for 52 years and were constant companions and best friends. His children survive him. A son, Ransom Carver Palmer III and daughter-in-law, Renee Palmer, of Mason Ohio; daughter, Sandra Florence Rudebush and son-in-law, David Rudebush, of Saugerties NY and daughter, Carla Helen Balnis and son-in-law, Wayne Balnis Jr., of Oneonta. He is also survived by five grandchildren, David Nicholas Rudebush, Joseph Michael Balnis, Caryn Rachel Balnis, Justin Carver Palmer, and Lily Renee Palmer. Also surviving are a sister-in-law, Betty Hooks and a niece, Donna Mclean, and nephew, James Hooks; sisters, Sherilyn Lucchesse, and Rannata French; aunts and uncle, step-sisters, brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews.


Carver was a devoted family man and his children and grandchildren were an important part of his life. Each of them share special memories of spending time with him.


Carver graduated from Oneonta High School in 1954, and worked at Bruno's Food Market before going to work at Bendix Corporation. He was proud of the time he spent in the US Navy Reserves. As his family grew he worked at Homer Folks Hospital, and then Delhi State College, where he worked as Stationary Engineer for 32 years until his retirement in 1994.


Carver had many hobbies. As a young man he started the first scuba diving classes at
The YMCA. He was one of the first divers in the area and remained interested well into his retirement. He took pride in the fact that his son Randy and Grandson David also became interested in diving.


He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed hunting with his son-in-law Wayne daughter Carla and grandson Joe. He owned several small boats and enjoyed any time spent near the water. His interest in gems and stones that he collected during his travels brought him to yet another hobby, lapidary. He spent hours tumbling and polishing stones and making jewelry for his family. Taught by his daughter-in-law, Renee, he also mastered the art of making wooden pens.


He was an avid reader. Loved Mickey Spillane, and Randy Wayne White, and met both authors during his travels. He found the game of Bingo a worthy opponent and considered it therapy for the mind.


His love of the fifties music made him a collector of many things. Anyone who knew him knew that he was a collector of Elvis books, records, movies, and bottles. He always said he had lived through the best years "The 50's". He was proud of the fact that he had lived at the same address for over 45 years had the same telephone number, the year he met his wife, also the year when Oneonta went dial, married to the same women for 52 years, and held the same job for over 30 years. He was a member of the Elks for 45 years, holding office several times. Most recently, he became a member of the Oneonta Moose Lodge where he enjoyed karaoke nights watching his granddaughter Caryn.


He was a man who believed in faithfulness, to his wife, his children, his job and his church. Carver was a family man and wonderful Father, who was never happier than when his children and his grandchildren were around him. It is because of that he will be missed by all of them as they view the many photographs, slides, and movies that were taken over the years of his life. Through all these memories he will live and be a part of their lives.


He took up kayaking during his retirement and experienced hot air balloon rides and parasailing. His greatest joys were creating memories with his wife and family in Ocean City, MD, Bradenton Beach, FL, Arizona, Alaska and many more. These were his happiest years. Together with his wife, they made many friends from all over the United States during these travels.


Special thanks to our Goddaughter and niece Donna Mclean who guided us
through the past months and calmed our many concerns. She was a member of TEAM PALMER. Their daily support gave us strength through the past year.


It is the wishes of the entire family that donations are made to Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820, in lieu of flowers.


Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, Oneonta.


The funeral service will be Wednesday, June 30th at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 66 Chestnut St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Teressa Sivers, pastor, officiating.


Burial will at the Oneonta Plains Cemetery. Following the interment there will be a reception at the Moose Lodge on West Broadway, Oneonta.


Online condolences may be made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com


The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta, is serving the family