Ben J. Palmer

"If something needed fixing in Almond, chances were someone would say, 'Call Benny.' More often than not, he was already on his way."

Ben J. Palmer, 70, of Almond, New York, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, just one day before his 71st birthday. Born on July 21, 1955, in Hornell, New York, Ben was the son of the late Al Palmer and Gertrude (Dixon) Palmer.

While our hearts are heavy with his loss, we are forever grateful for the life he lived, the people he touched, and the countless memories he leaves behind.

Ben was a proud 1973 graduate of Alfred-Almond Central School, and he spent the rest of his life investing in the community that helped shape him.

He was a man who believed in hard work, lending a helping hand, and finding joy in life's simple moments. He began his career as an electrician with Snyder Electric, where he learned every aspect of the electrical trade and built the foundation for the exceptional skills that would become his trademark. He later worked at Alfred University before finishing his career at Alfred State College, where he worked in Heating and Air Conditioning.

Throughout his career, Ben earned a reputation not only for his knowledge and craftsmanship but also for his willingness to help anyone in need. Whether it was an electrical issue, a furnace that quit in the middle of winter, or an air conditioner on the hottest day of summer, Ben was often the first person family, friends, and neighbors called. He never hesitated to share his knowledge, lend his time, or offer a helping hand, asking for little in return-though friends knew a cold Genny Light was always appreciated after the job was done.

Ben's commitment to serving others extended far beyond his career. He was devoted to the Village of Almond and took pride in giving back to the community he called home. He proudly served as a volunteer firefighter with the Almond Fire Department, as a Village Trustee, and later as Mayor of the Village of Almond. He also dedicated 17 years to Alfred-Almond Little League, helping support and mentor local youth, and was a longtime member of the Almond Rod & Gun Club.

In 1991, Ben was honored as the Alfred Lions Club's "Person of the Year," a recognition highlighted in The Alfred Sun for his years of service to the Village of Almond and the surrounding community. To those who knew him, the award simply reflected what they had known all along-that Ben was always ready to help, whether by serving his community, coaching young athletes, volunteering, or lending a hand to a neighbor in need.

Whether through public service, volunteer work, or quiet acts of kindness, Ben believed a strong community was built by people who cared for one another. His life reflected that belief, and his service will continue to be felt throughout Almond for generations to come.

If Ben wasn't working on a project, he was happily "puttering" around, finding something to tinker with or improve. He loved starting his mornings with coffee and good conversation with "the boys," where stories were shared, laughter was plentiful, and friendships were strengthened. Ben's positive outlook, infectious laugh, and easygoing personality made everyone feel welcome. He had a gift for making ordinary moments memorable and never met a stranger for long.

Above all else, Ben's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his beloved life partner of more than 30 years, Kathy Nesbit; his loving daughter, Jessica Palmer-Day, and her husband, Christopher Day, along with their daughters, Rhianna and Emily; his son, Kevin Palmer, and his wife, Rose Palmer, along with their son, Matthew. He is also survived by Kathy's children, Christine Thorp and her husband, Brian Thorp, and their children, Amanda and Jakob; and Steve Hurlburt and his wife, Tammy, and their children, Morgan, Ava, and Liam. Ben loved each of them dearly, and they were all an important part of his life and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Al Palmer and Gertrude (Dixon) Palmer.

Ben will be remembered as a man who worked hard, laughed often, served selflessly, and never stopped helping others. His legacy isn't measured by the things he owned, but by the countless lives he quietly impacted through his kindness, generosity, and unwavering willingness to always be there when someone needed him. He showed us that the greatest measure of a life is not found in titles or accomplishments, but in the difference we make for others.

Whether fixing a furnace, repairing an electrical problem, volunteering in the community, sharing a story over coffee, or simply showing up when someone needed him, Ben made the world a better place through his actions. His kindness, humility, and unwavering generosity will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, hospice staff, and caregivers who provided Ben with compassionate care and comfort during his final days.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Bender-Brown & Powers Funeral Home, 354 Canisteo Street, Hornell, NY 14843. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Ben, share stories, celebrate a life dedicated to family, friendship, service, and community, and offer their support to those who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions in Ben's honor be made to:

Almond Historical Society (Hagadorn House)

c/o Donna Ryan, Secretary

P.O. Box 245

Almond, NY 14804Almond Volunteer Fire Department

c/o Tiara Quant, Treasurer

1 Marvin Lane

Almond NY, 14843

Alfred Almond Community Sports Association

c/o Pavilion Project

P.O. Box 93

Almond NY, 14804

Through these gifts, his legacy of service and dedication to Almond will continue for generations to come.

Ben's life was defined not by the things he accumulated, but by the lives he touched. His kindness, generosity, laughter, and unwavering commitment to his family and community will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.