Kenneth “Ken” A. Palmer, Sr., 98, of Richmond, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Westerly Hospital. He was the loving husband of sixty-nine years to Alice R. (Ansay) Palmer who passed on October 18, 2018.
Born in Canochet, RI on May 23, 1925, Kenneth was the beloved son of thirteen children to the late Walter E. and Mona C. (Edwards) Palmer.
Ken was raised in the little Village of Canochet and was educated in Hopkinton. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Navy and honorably served for a period of 2 ½ years. Kenneth was a Fireman First Class and served aboard the USS Charger (CVE-30) and the USS Hancock (CV-19).
For thirteen years, Kenneth was a logger and operated his own Saw Mill and then started a twenty-eight career at General Dynamics in Groton, CT employed as a painter, retiring in 1988.
In retirement Ken remained very active. He constructed wooden bird houses, churches, lighthouses and crafted household cabinets. He enjoyed working in the yard, fishing, building and always keeping busy. Kenneth was a loving and caring man who devoted his life to his family. He enjoyed spending time with his children and in later years the addition of grandchildren increased his joy.
Kenneth is survived by his beloved children: Shirley Williams of Hope Valley, Carol Platt of Alton, Kenneth A. Palmer, Jr. and his wife, Lisa of Richmond, David Palmer and his wife, Diane of Richmond, Judy Recchia of Charlestown, Joseph Palmer and his wife, Christine of Rice City, RI and James Palmer and his wife, Tracey of Richmond; a brother: Ed Palmer; a sister: Beatrice Palmer; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Kenneth was the loving father of the late Thomas Palmer.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a Committal Service for Kenneth and Alice on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 11 AM in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter. Military Honors will be rendered recognizing Kenneth’s Honorable Service in the US Navy during WWII. Please gather at the Administration Building and the Funeral Procession will form at 10:30 AM.
Funeral arrangements under the care and direction of the Iannotti Funeral Home at MAPLE ROOT, 2000 Nooseneck Hill Road, Route #3, Coventry, Rhode Island. www.iannottifh.com.
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