Leon J. Palmer Jr

Leon Palmer, Jr., 70, of Portsmouth passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 6, 2017. He was born June 15, 1947 in Newport, RI. Leon was the beloved husband to Eileen (Tingley) Palmer for 39 beautiful years. For 30 years, Leon worked at the Naval Education Training Center, Newport, R.I, starting his career as a Police Officer and then dedicated twenty-five years of service as a Forklift Operator. Leon was a Veteran of the United States Air Force and served as a Firefighter. His love of astronomy, driving around the Ocean Drive, scuba diving, and, working on his 69 Firebird was some of Leon's favorite pastimes. Leon's most precious moments however, were spent with his grandson, Dylan. Together they flew helicopters, read books, and enjoyed each other's company, creating Leon's most favorable memories. Leon was the son of the late Leon and Louis (Smith) Palmer. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Lori (Sears) Estrella and her husband Jonathan and grandson, Dylan; of Verco Beach, FL. His sisters, Anita (Harold) Harrell of Bristol, PA, Gerri (Richard) Silva of Portsmouth, RI and Renee (Alfred) Hill of Bristol, RI; brother Murray Williams of Willingboro, NJ.A celebration of life will be held in the Spring of 2018. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Newport Hospital Tower 2 and 4, and his doctors, Dr. Schwengel, Dr. Pianka, and Dr. Montes, for all the wonderful care that was given.