Palmer, Michael G.

Albany- Michael George Palmer; 2/16/1950- 1/16/2021 (Age 70)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael George Palmer, who died in his home on January 16, 2021 due to complications from COVID-19. Michael was born on 2/16/1950 in Schenectady, NY to Dorothy and Frank Palmer. He was one of eight children.

Mike married the love of his life, Christine Metsker Palmer, and they spent 46 loving years together. Mike and Christine raised three children, Michael, Nora and Megan. Mike was a devoted father and a role model to his children who worked to emulate his kind and generous spirt. Mike was also a true rockstar to his two grandsons, Finn and Bradford who were the lights of his life.

Mike or “Patch” as he was known to his family, was a lover of all things nature. He spent much of his time working in his vegetable garden and yard, with the sounds of classic rock in the background. He was an avid camper and treasured his yearly camping trip with friends to Indian Lake. He loved nothing more than to spend time outside tending to the fire pit surrounded by family. He could often be seen collecting rocks in the woods or on the beach to add to his rock garden. Mike was a true jack of all trades and was the first person many would call if they needed advice or help with a household project. He was a generous spirit who would give you the shirt off his back. He was known for his sense of humor and fun-loving attitude. He could make you smile and laugh when you needed it most. In his younger years he enjoyed playing softball and bowling with his friends and co-workers. Mike worked for 28 years at Union College as part of the Physical Plant team. He enjoyed his work and especially loved cheering on the Union College Hockey Team while helping care for the ice.

He is predeceased by his parents, his brother Butch Palmer, and sister-in-law Catherine Rekemeyer.

Mike was a devoted husband, father, Peepaw, Pa, Brother, Uncle and Friend. He is survived by his children, Michael (Sarah)Palmer, North Kingstown, RI; Nora Palmer, Altamont, NY; and Megan (Bradford) Evans, Albany, NY and his two grandsons Finn and Bradford, as well as his siblings, Judy Boomhower, Ernie Palmer, Emmy Palmer, Edna Chest, David Palmer, Theresa Migirditch, and their families. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Robin Metsker, brother-in-law Allen Metsker, dear friend Jimmy Clark as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held sometime in the future when it is safe for us to gather together. The Daniel Keenan Funeral Home of Albany invites you to share online condolences with his family.

In Lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s memory can be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital to the Michael George Palmer Memorial Fund atwww.stjude.orgorALSAC/St. JudeChildren's Research Hospital,501St. JudePlace, Memphis, TN 38105.