Thomas Gerald Palmer Jr.

Thomas Gerald Palmer Jr. passed away on July 28, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona, just eight days after the passing of his beloved wife, Susan. They adored each other and had been happily married for 66 years.

Thomas was born in San Francisco, California in 1931 to Thomas Gerald Palmer Sr. and La Homa Clark Palmer. Raised in nearby Daly City, Thomas attended Jefferson High School and was a popular student (great dancer!) and a valuable teammate on the school’s basketball team. Following graduation Thomas attended College of San Mateo before serving five years in the Navy, primarily during the Korean War on the USS Telfair.

In 1960 Tom purchased My Cleaners, a dry-cleaning business originally owned by his father in San Bruno. Tom and Susan Benedict married in 1960, had two children, Sally Arnold Adelman (Palmer) and Peter Palmer. He also had two children from a previous marriage, Linda Martin (Palmer) and Thomas Palmer lll.

As a businessman and community leader, Tom was an active member of the Lions Club, Elks Club, and San Bruno Chamber of Commerce. He was involved in countless charities and civic events, and in 1968 was asked to serve as Chairman of the San Bruno chapter of the Robert F. Kennedy Presidential Campaign. Another of Tom’s passions was the San Francisco Giants-- so much so Susan gifted him an exact replica of the team flag that flew over Candlestick Park. With every Giants’ win, Tom raised it up the flagpole! In the early 70s Tom said goodbye to My Cleaners, becoming a real estate broker in Burlingame, California-- a profession he excelled at until his retirement.

Tom and Susan retired to Scottsdale in 1991, where Tom enjoyed wood-working, was an avid golfer, bridge player, and backyard grill-master... while Susan, a natural at planning, directed their social calendar and vacations all over Europe.

You would be hard-pressed to find someone as honest and fair as Tom Palmer. He had a strong conscience and empathy for anyone who wasn’t treated right. He was friendly and funny, a positive, cheerful, and generous man who loved classic American cars, Frank Sinatra, and ice cream, no matter the flavor. He was a warm and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

In addition to his four children, Tom leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and was preceded in death by his sisters Vivian Lo Presti (Palmer) and Madelyn Richardson (Palmer).

Interment will be held September 26th at the National Memorial Military Cemetery in Phoenix Arizona, time TBD.