John Richard Palmer

John Richard Palmer, age 76, a longtime resident of Chelmsford, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Mary Ann Fitzgerald Palmer with whom he enjoyed 46 years of marriage.

Born in Lowell on October 20, 1948, John was the son of the late Benjamin and Rita (Muldoon) Palmer. Raised in Lowell, he graduated from Rhode Island College and earned a Master's in English from Rivier University. After a decade teaching English at Lowell High School, John attended UMass Lowell to become a certified tech writer and transitioned to a successful 35-year career as a tech writer, storage consultant, and instructor in the high-tech industry.

John moved through life with a remarkable blend of kindness, love, perseverance, and a wonderful sense of humor, qualities that touched everyone he met. Whether lovingly supporting his grandchildren from the sidelines or cheering on the Red Sox and Patriots, John found joy in simple everyday moments. He loved nothing more than spending time reading a book at the beach. His greatest joy, however, was time with his family.

John's final years were a testament to his courage and unwavering spirit as he fought lung cancer. Throughout this long journey, John never gave up, always fighting for more time with those he loved.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by his daughters, Meghan Branco and her husband, David, of Littleton, Kerryn Mui and her husband, Brandon, of Chelmsford and his grandchildren: Olivia, Logan, and Dylan Branco, and Owen and Andrew Mui.

He was predeceased by his sister, Joyce Nute.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the BLAKE CHELMSFORD FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen Street, CHELMSFORD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 11 am at St. Mary Parish, 25 North Road, CHELMSFORD. KINDLY MEET AT THE CHURCH. Interment will be held privately.

Memorial donations may be made in Johns memory to TeamWalk for Cancercare or Philanthropy at Lowell General Hospital, 295 Varnum Ave, Lowell, MA 01854.

Service Details
Visitation
When
May 9, 2025 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Location
Blake Chelmsford Funeral Home
Address
24 Worthen Street
Chelmsford, MA 01824

Mass of Christian Burial When
May 10, 2025 11:00am
Location
St. Mary Parish
Address
25 North Road
Chelmsford, 01824