John E. “Skip” Palmer, age 92 of Virgil, NY passed away Friday, July 12, 2024, at The Commons on St. Anthony in Auburn, NY.
Born June 4, 1932, in Cortland, NY he was the only child born to the late John Brewster Palmer and Clara Smith Palmer. John grew up on the family farm which he eventually took over from his parents and married the former Barbara Barrow. Together they had two daughters. As a local farmer, he was interested and active in all community projects. He was a member of the Virgil Youth Commission, a past leader in 4H work, a member of the Virgil Fire Department and the Virgil Town Board. Skip was first runner up in Cortland County Outstanding Farmer of 1965, a past president of Cortland Artificial Breeders Assoc., a member of the Extension Services, and ASCS Virgil Town Committee. In 1968 he was installed as the District Deputy Grand Master of the Cayuga – Tompkins District Free and Accepted Masons.
John is survived by his daughter and son in law, Cindy and Robert Skala of Delanson, NY; granddaughter, Corinne Skala of Medford, MA and several nieces and nephews on the Barrow side. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Barbara in 2019 and his daughter, Cheryl Palmer in 2022.
Graveside services for John and Barbara will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024, in Virgil Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Virgil Fire Department or the Cortland Co. SPCA. Perkins Funeral Home, Dryden is assisting the family. Online condolences at www.perkinsfh.com.
