Ultimate salesman, Stephen Palmer, dead.

Stephen Palmer, chairman of Alexander Summer, died on Friday, January 12 in Vero Beach, Fla. after a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Cancer.

He was born on May 27, 1927 in Orange, New Jersey to Honor Elizabeth Prizer and George Bradford Palmer.

Palmer graduated from Vermont Academy and Princeton University. He raised his family in Short Hills, New Jersey and when he retired he moved to Westhampton Beach, Long Island and Vero Beach, Florida.

Palmer was a leader of the commercial real estate business in New Jersey. He joined Alexander Summer, LLC. in 1963 as vice president, and upon retirement in 2003 was serving as chairman. He also invested in several property ventures with the von Summer family.

Palmer's real estate career ran the gamut from land to industrial to office, and he personally represented some of the most prestigious corporate accounts in northern New Jersey, including Jaguar, Sharp, Grand Union and Cellular One.

Palmer was greatly respected by his peers and the many professionals whom he mentored throughout his career. Many have said that he was the 'ultimate salesman.'

Palmer is survived by his wife, Marcia Tuthill Palmer, of Vero Beach and Westhampton Beach, a brother, Brad Palmer of Savannah, Ga; and four children, Stephen Palmer of Kelly, Wyoming; Jennifer Palmer, of New York City; Chris Palmer, of Bordentown, N.J.; Tim Palmer, of Atlanta, Ga; and a stepdaughter, Leslie Bridgman Cimei, of New York City.

A memorial service will be held in Short Hills, N.J. in February. Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or to The Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy through the website at www.PSP.org