John J. Palmer, 82, of Shrewsbury formerly of 9 Plantation St., Worcester and Sarasota, Florida, passed away Sunday, October 19th 2008, surrounded by his family.

   John is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Catherine M. (Hickey) Palmer; three cherished children, John Palmer and his wife Cathy in Rumford Maine, Paul A. Palmer and his wife Cindy in Sutton and Linda M. Baniukiewicz and her husband Ted of Worcester; seven adored grandchildren, Marycatherine, Katelyn, Jessica, Kristen, Madison, Nicholas and Daniel; a sister, Arlene Mulrain of Webster; many nieces and nephews. A sister, Grace Dubeau and two brothers, William and James Palmer pre deceased him. Born in Springfield, John was a son of William and Mary (Fallon) Palmer. He grew up in Worcester, entered and served the U.S. Navy during World War II before returning home. John lived most of his life in Worcester and wintering in Sarasota Florida before moving to Shrewsbury.

   John worked more than 20 years as General Foreman for Presmet Corporation before retiring in 1987. He was a member of St. Anne Church. John was an enthusiastic Golfer and former member of the Worcester Police Golf League. He loved his family, his friends and enjoyed most those moments spent with them.

   The funeral will be held Thursday, October 23rd from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St with a Mass at 10:00 a.m in St. Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike Rd. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton. Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Wednesday October 22nd from 5 p.m to 8 p.m in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Massachusetts Veterans Shelter, 60 Grove Street, Worcester or the Worcester Animal Rescue, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, MA 01606.