COLONIE - Alfred R. Palmer, 83 of Latham, beloved husband of Patricia VanAlstine Palmer for over 55 years, entered into rest on Thursday January 24, 2008 at Ellis Residential and Rehabilitation Center in Schenectady. Born in Watervliet, he was the son of the late Alfred and the late Emma (Wirtz) Palmer, Mr. Palmer was a graduate of Lansingburg High School class of 1943. He was raised in Troy and Lansingburg. He spent many years in the family business Palmers Superette in Watervliet until its closing in the late 1970s. He has been a Latham resident since 1957. Al enjoyed semi-retirement as a school bus driver for North Colonie Schools then finally retiring at the age of 65 to persue his many hobbies especially bird watching and traveling. Writing poetry was especially important to him as well as his family and friends. He was a longtime communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latham. Al was a member of the Hudson-Mohawk Bird Club and the Colonie Senior Citizens Club and golf league. He leaves behind his loving wife and companion Patricia Van Alstine Palmer, his dear daughter Beverly and her husband William Walthers of Schenectady, his special son Gary Palmer and his wife Teresita of San Francisco, his cherished grandchildren William (Amy) Walthers and Jessica Walthers, his darling great-grandchildren Alana, Hailey, Javon and Brooke. He is also survived by a sister Gladys Ducar of North Collins, NY and several nieces and nephews. Al was pre-deceased by his dear son Jeffrey Palmer. Funeral services will be held Monday at 10:00 am in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham with Rev. James Daly officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to call Sunday from 2-4 pm at Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Road, Latham, NY. Interment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. The family would like to offer their special thanks to the staff of the Ellis Center for their compassionate and loving care during Als stay with them. In lieu of flowers donations to the Peter Young Foundation 428 Duane Ave. Schenectady, NY 12304 or The Nature Conservancy 195 New Karner Rd. Albany, NY 12205 would be appreciated. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com