William J. "Bill" Palmer Sr.

William J. “Bill” Palmer Sr., age 80, longtime resident of Orchard Street, passed away surrounded by family at his home on Thursday, August 8, 2024.

The family will be present to receive friends from 11:00 to 1:00pm on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at the Interlaken Reformed Church, 8315 N. Main Street in Interlaken. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at the 1:00pm at the church with Pastor David Leonard officiating. Burial will be held privately at Lake View Cemetery in Interlaken. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation in memory of Bill to Ovid Fire Department, PO Box D, Ovid, NY 14521 or the Interlaken Reformed Church, PO Box 335, Interlaken, NY 14847.

Bill was born in Ithaca, NY on December 21, 1943, a son of the late Arlo and Evelyn ( Thayer) Palmer. He was a graduate of Ovid Central School and proudly served his country in the US Navy. Bill worked as the superintendent of the DPW for the Village of Ovid for several decades, retiring in 2006. Bill took incredible pride in his community and village, a place that was more than just ‘home” to him, he also owned/operated Palmer Electric well past his retirement. And while he never considered it a “job”, he was, perhaps most dedicated to his role as Firefighter with the Ovid Fire Department/Croton Engine & Hose Company. Bill was an active member since 1963, serving in many roles including 34 years as Chief until stepping aside from that role in 2024. His knowledge and influence reached far beyond his local Department. He also served as either Seneca County Fire Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator for 44 years. Bill was an active member of the Interlaken Reformed Church and a long time “booster” of Fowler Camp and Retreat Center in Speculator, along with his wife, Bonnie.

Bill is survived by his children; Arlo (Eleonor Huggler) Palmer of Pink Hill, NC, William (Stacy) Palmer Jr. of Osceola, AR, John (Erica) Palmer of Fairport, NY, Chris (Kelly) Hayes of Lake Pleasant, NY, Timothy Hayes of Avondale, AZ and Julie Smith of Ovid; 15 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, several fur babies and his sister, Sharon Laird of Auburn. He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Bonnie in 2021 and by his brother, Ronald “Jake” in 1994