Donald Palmer

Donald E. Palmer, 84, of Sanford, died Friday, May 30, 2014, at Greenwood Center, in Sanford, surrounded by family.Don was born in Springvale to Perley and Mamie (Goodrich) Palmer and attended local schools. Don served in the Korean Conflict as a Corporal. He worked in local shoe shops, was Captain of the call firefighters in Springvale, worked at CYRO for many years and was part of the CYRO fire department.He gardened all of his life, and that continued after he went to Greenwood Center, planting vegetables that he shared and used to bargain. Don was a very social and friendly man who loved to talk to everyone and anyone, he could engage a whole room in conversation and make them smile. Don will be remembered as a very caring and hardworking man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends.Mr. Palmer was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Doris "Dot" Palmer; a brother, Bobby Palmer; and son-in-law, James Hoffmaster.Surviving are two sons, Danny Palmer and his wife Diane of Springvale, and Davy Palmer and his wife Jeanne of Springvale; three daughters, Donna Hoffmaster of Alfred, Darlene Spencer and her husband Wayne of Shapleigh and Doreen Ciullo and husband David of Springvale; sister, Eleanor Palmer of Sanford; eight grandchildren, Danielle Palmer Treadwell and her husband Matthew, Christopher Palmer and his wife Kaytlin, Amy Hoffmaster and her husband Eamonn Hutton, Jenilee Palmer and her significant other Dustin Geldermann, Daniel Collins and significant other Cora Cabana, Melissa Palmer and significant other John Duquesnoy, Krista Hoffmaster, and Nicholas Palmer and his fiancee Kaitlyn Boivin; great-grand children, Alden, Owen, Jaxson, Mirabel, and Rachel (on the way in July); sister-in-law, Anita Arsenault; brother-in-law, Junior Arsenault and special friend, Rejeanne Merrow.Don's family would like to express heartfelt and sincere thanks to Dr. John McGuckin and all the staff (past and present) at Greenwood Center for the excellent care and friendship he received. Their kindness, love and personal attention will never be forgotten.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Don's name can be made to the Greenwood Center Activity Fund, 1142 Main Street, Sanford, Maine 04073.A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the Southern Maine Veteran's Cemetery in Springvale. Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.To leave a message of condolence for the family please click on the condolences tab to the left.