Carlton E. Palmer, 81, of Bridgton died Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, at his home on South High Street.

He was born in Bridgton, Sept. 3, 1932, the son of Gerald H. Palmer and Marie Chaplin Embich. Carlton was a graduate of Bridgton High School and joined the Navy in 1950. He attended the U.S. Naval School of Music in Washington, D.C. until called to serve in the Korean War. On his return to Maine he married Maxine Durgin in 1953.

Carlton was employed in the telephone industry for 37 years. He worked for Standish Tel., Poland Tel., Contel & GTE, and retired from Verizon in 1991.

Carlton was predeceased by his sister Susan Palmer Brown. Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Cathy Palmer of Bridgton and Robin P. Nappi and her husband Carroll Nappi Jr. of North Gorham; two brothers, Stephen and his wife Janice of Oakland and Joel and his wife Linda of Limerick; brother-in-law A. Dean Brown of Bridgton; and many nieces and nephews.

The family of Carlton Palmer would like to express their sincere gratitude to the many kind staff members at Bridgton Hospital (including the Swing Bed program staff) as well as the Hospice Program members who provided such competent and compassionate care to Carlton and family during his illness.

Following Carlton's wishes, arrangements are private. Memorial donations may be made to the Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot St. Bridgton, ME 04009, where he enjoyed meeting so many nice people. Donations may also be made to the Oncology Dept. at Bridgton Hospital — another group of wonderful people. Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhomeinc.com