Joseph H. Palmer, Sr.

January 16, 1935 -- October 21, 2025

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Joseph H. Palmer, Sr., 90, passed away peacefully at home on October 21, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Raised in Coeymans, NY, Joe was the son of Joseph S. and Josephine (Mastriano) Palmer.

A graduate of Ravena High School (where he was a proud "4-sport letterman") and Niagara University, Joe went on to build both a career and a life defined by faith, family, and friendship. While home from college in 1954, he met the love of his life, Patricia (Jenkins), after spotting her in the high school gym. The two were married a year later and recently celebrated 70 beautiful years together, a partnership filled with laughter, faith, and deep devotion.

Joe began his professional life with State Farm Insurance, where he built lifelong friendships, before opening his own business, Palmer Insurance, in Ravena. After retiring in 1998, Joe and Pat settled in Saratoga Springs, a community he grew to love through his passion for Thoroughbred horse racing as an owner, breeder, and supporter of all things Saratoga. He was also an avid golfer who cherished time on the course with friends, both in Saratoga and during winters spent in Ormond-by-the-Sea, Florida, where he and Pat made dear friends and enjoyed sunshine-filled days by the ocean.

Joe's faith was central to his life. He was active in many church ministries over the years, most notably Marriage Preparation and Baptismal Preparation. Whether at St. Patrick's in Ravena or Corpus Christi in Clifton Park, Joe was a natural role model and source of support to others, serving with grace, compassion, and a genuine gift for ministry.

Joe's life was a testament to faith, love, and the joy of a life well lived, one that touched countless hearts and will leave all who knew him with lasting, fond memories.

Joe will be remembered for his warmth, humor, and unwavering love for his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Patricia; children Joseph H. Palmer, Jr. (Janine) and Denise DeWolf (Gerard); grandchildren Ashley Palmer Thomasey (Doug), Joseph H. Palmer III, Kaitlin DeWolf, Todd DeWolf (Carrie), and Jonathan DeWolf (Ilona); four great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Robert Jenkins and sister-in-law Mary Jenkins. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly. In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his infant daughter Gina Michelle; sister Louise Persico and brother-in-law Salvatore Persico; father-in-law Franklin W. Jenkins, Sr. and mother-in-law Gladys Jenkins; brothers-in-law Franklin W. Jenkins, Jr. and Richard Jenkins.

Services will be held at Corpus Christi Church, 2001 Route 9, Round Lake, NY on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 beginning with a period of visitation at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 11 a.m.

If you wish to make a donation in Joseph's memory, please consider giving to Circles of Mercy of Rensselaer, NY: https://circlesofmercy.org/donate/ or 11 Washington St., Rensselaer, NY 12144; Phone: (518) 462-0899; Email: circlesofmercy@nycap.rr.com.