John D. Palma, formerly of 17 Greythorne Rd., Lancaster, died early Thursday morning at Lancaster General Hospital, after a long battle with diabetes and heart disease.

He was the husband of the late Margaret E. "Peggy" Palma, who passed away in 2009. Mr. Palma is survived by his son, Daniel J. Palma of Portland, OR; his daughter Linda Palma Ross of Lancaster, 7 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren; a sister Isabel Aloi of Newtown, PA and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Palma served in World War II as part of special entertainment forces in the European Theater.

He was an original home owner in Levittown, PA, the post-war planned community. John was a professional trumpet player all of his life and was a member of the house bands of The Celebrity Room and Palumbo's, both in Philadelphia, and the Latin Casino in Camden. He also played in clubs in New York, Wildwood, NJ, and Atlantic City. He managed City Music Center in Burlington, NJ and was responsible for the instrument rental programs of most of the school districts in central and southern NJ during the 1960s and 70s. In his retirement, he and his wife, Peggy, operated PJ's Varieties at the old Meadowbrook Farmers Market.

The family would like to publicly thank all of the wonderful staff at Village Vista nursing home who loved and cared for him and his wife until her death. They treated him like he was their own father. The family would also like to acknowledge the excellent care by the staff at LGH during his final illness.

Friends will be received on Sunday, October 17, 2010 from 7-8PM at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, 441 N. George St., Millersville, PA, with the Funeral Service to follow at 8PM, the Rev. Michael Yoder officiating.. Interment will be private. To send and online condolence, please visit: SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 872-5041