It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Palmer N. Fargnoli, Sr., who died on September 24, 2025, at the age of 84.  Fondly known as Baba to his grandchildren, Palmer was born and raised in Saratoga Springs.

A retired college history professor, Palmer received his undergraduate degree from Syracuse University and then went on to earn his master's degree in American Studies from Union College (NY).  Palmer's higher education career spanned the course of five decades, during which he worked at Hamilton College, Mohawk Valley Community College, Schenectady County Community College, SUNY Institute of Technology (now SUNY Polytechnic Institute), SUNY Potsdam, and Utica College (now Utica University).  Whether he was lecturing in the classroom or engaging with family and friends, his keen intellect and passion for discourse were always on display.  His ability to recount facts was proof enough that he remembered more than most people have forgotten.

If there was one subject that may have outshined history for Palmer, though, it was thoroughbred racing.  He absolutely loved going to the track and playing the horses, developing a handicapping system that would be impressive to physicists and kinetic scholars alike.  He wowed everyone he met when they saw his ledger sheets filled with handwritten calculations analyzing the velocity and acceleration of each horse competing in a particular race.

As with history and horse racing, everything Palmer did was with methodical intent, including the construction of a USS Constitution model that took a year to complete and is fit for a maritime museum exhibit.  He also built an HO scale railroad that replicated train lines one would find in European mountain ranges.  Palmer's intricate mind was perfect for the sport of baseball, playing throughout his childhood and school years at Saint Peter's Academy (now referred to as Spa Catholic) and passing along his love of the game.  Additionally, while in college, Palmer collaborated with a group of students whose efforts influenced the promotion of what eventually became the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

However, none of these accomplishments and pursuits were nearly as important to Palmer as the time he cherished with his family.  He had an uncanny ability to make everyone around him feel better just by being in his presence.  Palmer's kindness and warmth were expressed through his charming personality, and his sharp wit and sense of humor were as infectious as his welcoming smile.  Whenever someone was feeling upset or stressed, he always seemed to know just what to say or do, but his gentle and calming demeanor didn't require him to even say or do anything at all.

Palmer is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Joan (Carusone) Fargnoli, his son Palmer (Lindsey) Fargnoli, Jr., his granddaughter, Paige Fargnoli, his grandson, Palmer Fargnoli III, his brother, Nicholas Fargnoli, his sister, Sylvia (James) DeVoe, and his nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.  He was predeceased by his mother, Johanna (DeVito) Fargnoli, his father, A. Nicholas Fargnoli, and his sister, Lucretia Lyons.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Palmer's memory to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation (www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org) or the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org).