William C. Palmer 86 of Cummaquid died at his home Friday June 25, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

He was the husband of Dorothy A. (Raffo) Palmer. They were high school sweethearts and were married for 63 years.

Born in Rahway, NJ, Bill was the son of the late William M. and Jean (McDonald) Palmer. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist Third Class.

Bill spent 40 years in the Insurance industry, and retired to Cape Cod from New Jersey in 1995. He and his wife, Dorothy were longtime members of Cummaquid Golf Course, and they spent most winters in Florida, where golf, family and friends were plentiful.

An avid golfer, traveler, and history buff, Bill was a consummate reader and lifelong learner. He coached little league baseball and basketball.

He, and his wife, traveled to several countries and states, including revisiting the barracks in Germany where he served for 2 years in the United States Army.

Bill was known as a loyal, disciplined, humble, loving and wise elder by all who encountered him. He had a quick wit and was often the first choice as emcee at any family gathering. He lived his life with gratitude for his entire family’s well-being and happiness.

In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by a daughter, Linda J. Monaco and her husband, Andrew J. Zickell of Plymouth; two sons, William C. Palmer, Jr. of Mansfield, and Robert B. Palmer and his wife, Cathleen of Canton; a sister, Jean Pipp of Lanoka Harbor, NJ; eight grandchildren, Stephanie, Victoria, Dylan, Kayla, Emily, Mikki, Greg, and Kylee; and two great grandchildren, Ryan and Madelyn. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Thomas S. Palmer.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday July 7 in the First Congregational Church of Yarmouth, 329 Main St., Yarmouth Port, MA 02675.

Interment will be private.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to VNA of Cape Cod – Hospice, 255 Independence Dr., Hyannis, MA 02601 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1120, Framingham, MA 01701.

Bill always had a kind word and a wonderful smile - a true gentleman - we are sorry for your loss - we will miss seeing him on the course!

Dorothy and family. I just read this and it is a lovely and gentle tribute. I hope you are doing well with your happy memories. Bill will be missed very much. Love, Marie