Thomas Palamar, Sr.

Thomas M. Palamar, Sr., (81), of Hagerstown, Maryland passed away peacefully on June 4, 2017 surrounded by his family.

Born in Rahway, New Jersey on July 28, 1935, he was the son of the late Martin Palamar, Sr. and Mary (Burnatowska) Palamar.  He graduated from Rahway High School in 1953, Shepherd College/University (1960-61), and received his Master's degree in education at Coppin State University, Maryland in 1972.

Thomas was a member of B.P.O. Elks #378, Eagles Club, Inc. of Waynesboro, American Legion Post #42, AARP, Washington County Sports Hall of Fame, and the Eagles, Inc. Travel Club.

He was employed by the Board of Education of Washington County as a physical education teacher and later as a vocational evaluator.  He was one of the first four people to be appointed as a school vocational evaluator in the State Maryland in 1970.  He also served as a vocational rehabilitation counselor with the State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in Hagerstown for four years.

He served a tour of duty in Korea and played professional baseball with the Washington Senators and Minnesota Twins farm systems.  Over the years, he enjoyed singing/entertaining, playing fast-pitch softball, semi-pro baseball and tennis locally.  He also adored his grandkids, a vast music collection and his pet dogs.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Bonnie D. Line Palamar of 50 years.  He is also survived by a daughter, June Palamar of Hagerstown, MD,  a son, Thomas Palamar, Jr. and wife Christine of Smithsburg, MD; daughter, Kelli Palamar and her significant other Eric Hallenbeck of Deep Creek Lake, MD.  He also leaves behind a brother, Peter Palamar of Lakewood, N.J., Grandchildren, Chase, Bryce, Alayna, Brynn, Cayden, Madison and Zachary. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by an infant son, Thomas Martin Palamar, sisters, Helen Poulson, Sophie Essex, Ann McCandless, brothers, Martin Palamar, Jr., Paul Palamar and Andrew Palamar.

Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike Boonsboro, MD 21713 on Wedesday, June 7, 2017  from 6-8 p.m. where services will follow on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m.  Father George Limmer officiating.
Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery.

Memorial Donations may be made in his name to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame, P.O. Box 277, Funkstown, MD 21734 or to an organization of one's choice.