Obituary of Brian Edward Palmer
Brian Edward Palmer passed away in Morristown, New Jersey on December 17, 2025 from complications of Parkinson’s. Brian was born January 9, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan. He was a proud Detroiter, growing up in the Detroit public schools, and earning a B.A. and M.B.A. from Wayne State University. For over 20 years, he and his wife gave tours of downtown Detroit, sharing their love of the city with others.
Brian valued honesty and lived a life with the utmost integrity. He consistently strove to do the ‘right thing’, whether through small daily acts or more consequential choices, such as heeding the call to serve in the Vietnam War. While in the Army, Brian was awarded the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service.
Highly admired for his intellect, Brian was a nationally award-winning collegiate debater. His career was in advertising, spending more than 20 years at Chrysler Corporation’s agency, Bozell, where he headed up the Plymouth account during the launch of the first minivan. Before advertising, Brian worked as a substitute teacher, where he fell in love with Birmingham, Michigan and became determined to give his future children that educational opportunity. Through his hard-driving work ethic, he made it happen, and his family became deeply rooted in this beautiful community for more than 40 years. Brian cherished time with a wide circle of friends, including close-knit bridge and euchre groups, childhood friends from northwest Detroit, the community at First Presbyterian Church, and Birmingham Country Club, where he served on the Board of Directors and spent a lot of time looking for lost golf balls.
Brian sang often -- and beautifully. In his father-of-the-bride speech, he offered this advice: “Always sing. Everyone will think you’re happy; and when everybody thinks you’re happy, they are happy with you.” His voice brought happiness to many -- whether through his spot-on Elvis impersonation or belting out Rolling Stones’ “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction”. His many singing “appearances” included wine-filled gatherings with friends, a bar in the Austrian Alps, the middle of Roman ruins, and his daughter’s wedding.
Brian was a sensitive man and cared deeply, setting the highest bar for a loving marriage with his wife Libby. His warmth, understated quick wit and beautiful voice will be deeply missed by those who survive him including his wife of 59 years, Libby; daughter Beth (Josh) Gellert, son Adam (Fran) Palmer; and six grandchildren – Lindsay, Noah, and Aaron Gellert, and Alex, Kate and John Palmer. He is also survived by his brothers Larry (Paula) and Dale Palmer, and nieces and nephews who adored him.
Funeral services will be held at 1 PM on Sunday, January 11, at First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Michigan, with a celebration of life following services. If desired, memorial donations may be made to causes that would be meaningful to Brian including the Michigan Humane Society and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
