FREDONIA: Lester B. Palmer, 93, a resident of Fredonia Place, Howard Street, Fredonia, formerly of Creek Road, Forestville, passed away Monday, December 16th, 2024, after a brief stay at the Chautauqua Nursing & Rehab Center, Dunkirk. He was born in the Town of Arkwright, NY on May 29, 1931, the son of the late Myrl Palmer and Frances (Sikorski) Palmer Fancher.
Lester worked as a Mechanic/Bus Driver for Forestville Central School, for over 50 years. He enjoyed nature, making maple syrup, maintaining his property and family gatherings.
Survivors include a daughter, Deborah Burgun, of Pleasant View, Tennessee; and a son, Nate (Susan) Palmer, of Villenova. Also surviving are four grandchildren; Kenneth (Kate) Burgun, Karen Brown, Lisa (Ben) Bates, Alex (Lindsay) Palmer, five great grandchildren Korah Burgun, William & Cooper Brown, Alaina & Ty Bates and several nieces & nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his stepfather Albert Fancher, his wife Virginia (Frederickson) Palmer, whom he married on August 20, 1955 in Hanover Center and who died December 17, 2020 and son-in-law David Burgun, who died December 21, 2017.
Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Sunday morning from 10:30 AM to 12 noon, from where Funeral Services will be held at 12 PM, with Rev. Sandra Houck officiating. Interment will follow in Arkwright Summit Cemetery, Town of Arkwright.
The family suggests memorials may be made either to Balltown Cemetery Association, % James Frederickson, 11269 Allegany Road, Forestville, NY 14062 or to Arkwright Summit Cemetery Association, %June Prince, 2070 Rt. 83, Forestville, NY 14062.
To post condolences or memories go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
2 Comments
David Lawrence Kolstee
I had the pleasure of working at the bus garage with Lester when i started working there in 1988. Lester was an outstanding mechanic who took great pride in his work. He was so careful in making sure the busses were safe for the drivers and kids at all times. He became a true friend to me and i cant tell you how much i enjoyed his friendship. He was a man who could fix anything and figure out to do just about anything. I am sorry i cant come to the visitation as i will be out of town this weekend. I wish i could be there. i loved lester very much. I will miss him.
Joseph Laurito
Dear Nate and Deborah and family. So sorry about Lester passing, he was a wonderful man. I remember very much of the “Get togethers “we had in the late 70s and early 80s, up at your mom’s and dad’s place. The great stories and food. I also remember Gradpa Polvino bringing us kids up to watch the maple syrup be made that was fun. , Later I can remember hunting with my father on your mom and dad property even if we didn’t get a deer my father and I would stop by to say hello, we’re always welcomed in to the house with a smile and hand shake from your dad, and greetings from your mom with hot coffee and a treat. Later after both my mother and father passed l had the pleasure of my son Russell meeting your mom and dad Gradma Hilda and I with Russell came up to visit them and Fran, we had a great time. Both your mom and dad were wonderful people and will be sadly missed, but at least we have pictures and great memories. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.