Dr. Robert Palmiter

Dr. Robert B. Palmiter, 85, of Hamilton, passed away peacefully, Saturday July 10, 2010 with his family by his side. He was born in Utica on July 6, 1925, the third child of Harold Dean and Edith Samson Palmiter. He graduated in 1943 from the Newton High School, Newton, MA, in 1948 from the Chiropractic Institute of New York; and in 1952 did post-graduated work at the National College of Chiropractic. Dr. Palmiter opened his practice in Hamilton in November of 1952. Dr. Palmiter was a member of the Park United Methodist Church having served as trustee and a 40 year-plus member of the choir. A life member and past master of the Hamilton Masonic Lodge #120, past president of district #11 of the New York Chiropractic Association of New York and served as a delegate to the New York State Chiropractic Association. A 53- year member and past president of the Hamilton Rotary Club, chairman of the Colgate Inn feasibility study prior to its first renovation, saving it from a scheduled demolition. Chairman of two renovations of the village green. Served as Mayor of Hamilton for two terms, Supervisor of the Town of Hamilton serving at the county level on the Madison County Board of Supervisors, and also was a member of numerous committees through the years. He had a continuing interest in 18th Century American antiques and enjoyed collecting, furnishing and restoring the old stone house near the Colgate Inn. The house previously owned by the famous Colgate coach Andy Kerr and was featured in the 1997 January-February Issue of Colonial Homes. He took great pleasure in the camaraderie and singing with the Blue Parsley Boys, consisting of a group of eight guy-singers of song, traveling and summers at the cottage at Lake Moraine
The legacy that he watched was not only his practice of 53 years (1952-2006). But his initiation of the Farmer’s Market on the green which is a continuing social and economic event, the re-establishment of a Fourth of July parade which draws thousands of people each year, the development of the retirement community of Madison Lane Apts. and the rejuvenation of the museum in the Hamilton Village Library.
He is survived by his loving wife, the former Jean Henty of Oneida, two daughters Ann Palmiter of Barrington, RI; Dr. Priscilla Palmiter of Baltimore, MD and a niece Christine Hamilton of Tupelo, MS. He was predeceased by a brother Gene Palmiter and a sister Louise Hamilton.
A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday July 14, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the Park United Methodist Church, Hamilton, NY. There are no calling hours. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.
Contributions in Dr. Palmiter’s memory may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. 4277 Middle Settlement Rd. New Hartford, NY 13413.