John Charles Palmer

John Charles Palmer, 87, a beloved husband, father, grandfather (affectionately referred to as Op), great-grandfather, son, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025. He is now reunited with his parents, Thomas and Anna (Doherty) Palmer, as well as his siblings, Thomas and Joan, who were a source of endless love and support throughout his life.

John was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where he developed a lifelong passion for movies, baseball, and family. As a child, he and his sister Joan would often attend Saturday matinees, with Joan patiently sitting through countless viewings of The Purple Monster Strikes (1945). This love of cinema stayed with John all his life, and his extensive movie collection was a cherished treasure for everyone who knew him.

A proud Brooklyn Dodgers fan, John never missed a game at Ebbets Field, and his enthusiasm for sports extended to football as well. Many fond memories were made when he would take his oldest daughter, Elizabeth, to see his beloved New York Jets play. He also enjoyed coaching his youngest daughter, Annemarie, during her softball days to help her achieve her perfect pitch.

John's academic journey led him to Saint John's Prep and Saint Francis College, where he earned a BA in Economics. He landed his first job at Great American Insurance Company in New York where he met the love of his life, Roberta Jamin. They married in 1961 and remained madly in love for 64 years. John served in the Army Reserves from 1960 to 1965, showing his sense of duty and commitment. After many years in the insurance industry, he retired from Reliance National Insurance Company in 2003, shortly before moving to Beverly Hills, Florida with his wife, Roberta.

In Florida, John and Roberta became active members of the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Citrus Springs, where they served as Extraordinary Ministers to their parish community. John was also a fan of Florida's sunshine and warm weather, which made his love for golf and cruising even more enjoyable. One of his favorite travel destinations was Ireland, his ancestral homeland, where he would visit and revel in the beauty of the land and the history that shaped his family.

John’s greatest joy, however, was his family. A devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he cherished every moment spent with his daughters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughter, Sophie Rose. His face would light up whenever he saw videos or Facetimed with her, his heart swelling with pride and love.

Recently, John and Roberta moved back to New Jersey to be closer to their youngest daughter, Annemarie. He leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Roberta Palmer of Florham Park, New Jersey; his daughters, Elizabeth Palmer Schweighardt (and husband John) of Wilmington, North Carolina, Annemarie Palmer (and boyfriend Anthony DeMaio) of Florham Park, New Jersey; and his grandchildren: Claudia Earnhardt (and husband Brandon and daughter Sophie Rose) of Thomasville, North Carolina. Cecilia Schweighardt (and boyfriend Stockton Woodard) of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, D' Jamin Bartlett (and Mark Bornfield) of Hollywood, Florida. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

John’s love for animals was evident throughout his life. He and his family shared many years with beloved pets, and in his memory, the family asks that donations be made to a pet in need or that you consider adopting your next pet from a shelter.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, following the interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, New Jersey. The family invites all who knew and loved John to join in honoring his legacy.

John will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.