John Edward Palmer

John Edward Palmer, 97, passed away February 28, 2016, 12 days shy of his 98th birthday, in Williamsburg, VA. Born to John and Martha Palmer in Philadelphia, PA, he was a Coast Guard Combat Veteran who served as a boatswain's mate in the North Atlantic during World War II. After the war, he went to work for Bell Telephone of Pennsylvania. Post-retirement, he was a longtime resident of Cape May, NJ, moving to Williamsburg 12 years ago.

John was a natural athlete who loved the sea and saltwater fishing. Many happy hours were spent on his boat in Delaware Bay or on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard striped bass fishing.

Most important to John was his faith in God and love for his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Doris, to whom he was married for 74 years. He is also survived by daughter Linda Miller and her husband Mark, of Rumson, NJ; daughter Joyce Patterson and her husband, Dan, of Williamsburg, VA; grandchildren, Brian Miller and wife, Dana, and their daughters, Cameron and Peyton of Colts Neck, NJ; Chris Miller, and wife, Christie, and their daughter Ava, of Rumson, NJ; Katherine Patterson of Morristown, NJ; and Andrew Patterson and wife Lauren, of Washington, DC.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Brookdale Williamsburg and Gentiva Hospice for the loving care provided to John at the end of his life.

Burial will be in Cape May, NJ. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.nelsencares.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Nelsen Williamsburg, Williamsburg, VA.