David Lavern Palmiter, 77

Wellsville, NY - David Lavern Palmiter, 77, of 3483 Center Drive, passed away on December 26, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital following a brief battle with cancer. He was born on March 22, 1944 in Wellsville, the son of the late Lavern Willis and Betty (White) Palmiter. On June 26, 1965 in Bellaire, Ohio he married his wife of 56 years, Sandra Kay Phillips, who survives. 

David was a 1962 graduate of Wellsville High School. He continued his education at West Liberty State College in West Virginia, from where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in June of 1966. He then attended Alfred University where he earned his first Masters Degree in Education in June of 1973, and a second Masters Degree in Education from St. Bonaventure University in May of 1975. He began teaching at Whitesville Central School in the fall of 1966. He was a beloved high school social studies teacher for 30 years. He retired and was called back to serve as chair of the special education committee for 10 years. He retired once more but was again called back to be a substitute teacher for another 13 years in the same school that he loved very much until his final retirement due to ill health. He positively influenced generations of students at Whitesville Central. 

Outside of his career, he was a member of The Masonic Lodge for 47 years, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for 42 years – for whom he was chief commissioner of appeals beginning in 2011. In his youth, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout on September 22, 1958. 

In addition to his wife, Sandra, he is survived by: three children, Judith (Bruce Rutter) Miller of Gray, ME, Melinda (Patrick) Toomey of West Seneca, and Robert Palmiter of Winder, GA; five grandchildren, Elaine, Avery, Abigail, Owen, and Anderson; two brothers, Michael (April) Palmiter of Ramona, CA and Dennis (Susan) Palmiter of South Lyons, MI; and many nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of life is being planned and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to The Hart Comfort House, 141 E. State Street, Wellsville. Burial will be in Stannards Cemetery. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.