Dr. Fenner Palmer Lindblom DDS

Dr. Fenner Palmer Lindblom DDS

Dr. Palmer (Palm) Lindblom passed away in Rochester, NY, on Thursday, August 6th, 2026, at age 96. Palmer was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Emily Lindblom, and his brother, Kingston Lindblom. Palmer is survived by his sister, Dr. Julie Boozer; daughters Anne (Steve) Harrow, Johanna (Albert) Grimaudo, and Amy (Greg) Ott; and sons Peter (Bonnie), Jon (Marina), and Eric (Katarzyna), along with 27 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Palmer was born on July 4th, 1930, in Jamestown, NY, to Dr. Fenner and Marguerite (Palmer) Lindblom. After graduating from Jamestown High School, he studied dentistry and graduated from the University of Buffalo Dental School. He then completed dental and anesthesia residencies in the United States Navy, followed by oral surgery residencies at Strong Memorial Hospital and Buffalo General Hospital. In 1961, Palmer established an oral & maxillofacial surgery practice in Jamestown, NY, faithfully serving his hometown for the next 3 1/2 decades.

Palmer was a devoted follower of Christ, serving in many capacities at local churches throughout his life and encouraging the faith of anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was an Elder in the Westminster Presbyterian Church and a Deacon in the First Covenant Church (Jamestown, New York). Palmer was also a lifetime member of the Scandia Covenant Church (Scandia, Pennsylvania) as well as a member of Covenant Life Church and Henrietta Christian Fellowship (Rochester, New York).

Following his father's example, Palmer was active in the Boy Scouts of America throughout his life. He earned the coveted rank of Eagle Scout. He then served as a Scouter (adult leader) in the Allegheny Highlands Council and saw his three sons earn the Eagle Rank. Years later, he helped two of his grandsons become Eagle Scouts.

Palmer played the French horn, piano, and organ. He loved classical music, with a particular passion for opera. He faithfully listened to the Saturday afternoon Metropolitan Opera Broadcasts for most of his life. Locally, he was a Chautauqua Opera Guild Member and Chautauqua Symphony Partner. His involvement in the Jamestown School Music program was legendary, extending from his childhood in the thirties and forties through his last child's graduation in the 1980s. His and Emily's dedication and service to the music program were recognized when they received the Jamestown Music Hall of Fame Award. Music was one of the many legacies Palmer left to his family. Four of his children and seven of his grandchildren graduated from world-renowned conservatoires and are now working professionally around the world as performers and teachers. His gift was encouragement, and he delighted in attending countless family members' recitals, concerts, and ceremonies.

Palmer was a Lt Commander in the Navy, serving on active duty during the Korean War from 1956-1958 on the U.S.S. Tidewater Destroyer Tender in the Mediterranean Sea. He continued to

serve in the Naval Reserves until 1972. His extreme pride in service to his country has been carried on by three of his grandsons: Captain Samuel Lindblom USAF, 1st Lieutenant Oliver Lindblom USAF, and 1st Lieutenant Elijah Harrow US Army.

Palmer's passion for service was most visible in the medical field, where he and just one other practice served all oral and maxillofacial surgery needs for a 150,000-person county. For 3 1/2 decades, he was on emergency call every other weekend at the local hospitals, in addition to maintaining his busy private practice. His special concern is the effects of alcohol and tobacco related to throat, tongue, and sinus cancer. Together with his wife, Emily, a Registered Nurse, Palmer passed on his legacy of healthcare service to two of his children and four grandchildren, including three Nurse Practitioners, a Registered Nurse, a Veterinary Assistant, and a Medical Student.

In his spare time, Palmer pursued many hobbies and interests. "Things that Go" seemed to fascinate him most. During his days in the Navy, he achieved his Private Pilot license. In the early years of their marriage, he and Emily enjoyed Road Rally Races in his beloved SAAB cars. A lifelong member of the American Train Collectors Association, he was an avid O-gauge train builder, enthusiast, and collector. An adjacent interest in model railroading was a tremendous passion for tool-and-die machinery. Palmer used his machine shop to build O-gauge replicas of his beloved K4 engines among other things. His building resume was not limited to metal. Palmer was also significantly involved in planning and building the Jamestown homestead, as well as numerous outbuildings, including a chicken coop, a barn, and a tool shed. His home in Jamestown featured a menagerie of chickens, rabbits, geese, ducks, cats, and dogs, which he cared for first thing in the morning and after he came home in the evening. A tree enthusiast and nature lover, he owned and managed many acres of timber land in Northwestern Pennsylvania until his early nineties. In his eighties, Palmer earned his Ham Radio Operator's license and was an active participant in Rochester-area radio clubs and historical societies.

One of Palmer's favorite Bible verses was Luke 18:1: Jesus spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart. He took this verse very seriously, as shown by his extensive prayer list for family, friends, and even mere acquaintances. His remarkable life was made possible by a faithful God, whom he delighted in and trusted. He was a humble and generous servant of Christ. His kind and gentle life is an example to us all. We, as a family, would all like to thank the sixth-floor staff of the Reservoir building and the chaplains of the St. John's Home of Rochester for providing daily care in his last few years. Please join us to celebrate his life at a memorial service to be held at 3 pm Saturday, September 5th at Covenant Life Church, 70 Bailey Road, West Henrietta, NY 14586. Instead of flowers, please send donations to The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.orgServices (www.compasscare.info)