Obituary of Richard J. Palumbo, Sr.

Richard J."Hummer" Palumbo, Sr., died Friday May 11th at St. Peter's University Medical Center, New Brunswick. He was 67 years old. Born in New Brunswick, he was a lifelong resident of Jamesburg, graduating from Jamesburg HS in 1963. While in high school, he was a member of Coach Richard Matteo's All Star soccer team and was selected as an all-state player. He also was an excellent baseball player, and signed a major league contract with the Cleveland Indians. When he returned home, he continued to play in the highly competitive Middlesex County Men's Rec Baseball league. He retired in 2000 after 31 years with BASF Corp., South Brunswick, serving as a training supervisor. He was a life member of the Jamesburg Elks Lodge #2180 and was selected Elk of the Year for his efforts at the lodge which included chairing the Father's Day Breakfast, serving on the House Committee and as a long time house bar tender, and pitching in where needed during the Lenten Fish Frys. In his leisure time, he enjoyed golf, fishing in Florida and gardening. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Linda M. Dunfee, a daughter, Christine Kelly, her husband Sean and the "apple of his eye", his granddaughter, Breanna, all of Middletown, two sons, Richard J. Jr. and Kevin T., both of Jamesburg, two brothers, Jack and his wife, Betty of Manchester Twp. and Nick of Maine, a sister, Mimi Schwenzer of Maine and many nieces and nephews. Private cremation services were entrusted to the M. David DeMarco Funeral Home, Monroe Township. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Handicapped Children's Fund at the Jamesburg Elks Lodge, #2180, W. Railroad Ave. Jamesburg, NJ 08831.