Lewis. P. Palmer, 79, of Neptune, NJ, died of respiratory and heart failure on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune. He was a resident of Neptune Township for over 25 years before moving to Middlebrook Apts. in Ocean in 1994. Staff Sergeant Palmer served for 20 years, including his meritorious service in Vietnam. After his retirement from the military, he had a second career in civil service at C.E.C.O.M in Eatontown. In his later years, he worked as a Greeter at the Super Foodtown in Ocean Township, welcoming generations of shoppers with his trademark friendly smile and a hello. His wife Lucinda Ray predeceased him in1980. Surviving is his only child Janet Palmer and her husband Peter Vetrano also of Neptune. Relatives and friends may call on Monday from four o'clock to seven o'clock until the funeral service beginning at 7:30 PM at the Ocean Grove Memorial Home, 118 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove. In lieu of flowers the family requests that a donation be made in his name to the American Lung Association .