Charles H. Palmer III

Charles Henry Palmer III died 27 July 2021 at Rochester General Hospital at the age of 89.  He was born 27 May 1932 in Brockport, NY, the son of Charles Henry (Kromhaus) Palmer Jr and Helen Leone Herring-Palmer.  Grandson of Norwegian immigrants named Kromhaus, his father legally changed their name to Palmer in 1941 because his father was a semi-professional baseball player.  His father’s sports career influenced Charles III throughout his entire life. Growing up with three older sister, “Chick’s” interest in sports was well-known.

Charles joined the Army in January 1953 and was assigned to Camp Polk, LA for training with the 37th Infantry Division after graduating from Benjamin Franklin High School where he played varsity basketball in 1949 and 1950.  He was employed by Rochester Products and played basketball with the JYM&WA All-Stars before entering the Army.

In 1957, Charles married Lucy Anne Bianchi-Palmer of Henrietta.  Together they had four daughters.  He worked for over three decades for Bausch and Lomb, retiring as the Facilities Manager at the Goodman Street plant.  Throughout his life, he participated in sports, including many years as a baseball umpire.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Lucy (2005) and his three sisters Anne Palmer-Pape (Ray) (2001), Jessie Palmer-Tubbs (Justin) (2006), Jane Palmer-Meredith-Caves (1985) and his dear friend Joan Augustine.

Surviving are his four daughters Wendy Whitney, Tracy Pasker (Dave), Christine Kruger and Holly Palmer all of Rochester.  He leaves eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was an American Legionnaire and a member of the local VFW.  A graveside Honor Guard service is planned for Saturday, July 31st at 12:30 PM at Falls Cemetery located at the corner of West Ridge Road and Latona Blvd, also known as Ridge Road Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life will immediately follow interment at Tracy and Dave Pasker’s home in Fairport from 2-5 pm.  In lieu of flowers, contributions to the local Veteran of Foreign Wars in his name are appreciated.

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