A graduate of Jonathan Dayton Regional High School in Springfield, NJ, Palmer went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree at Maryville College in Maryville, TN, in 1951 and earned a Master's Degree from Rutgers University in 1954. A stellar career in education and athletics started when Palmer accepted a teaching job at Boonton Public Schools in the 1954-55 school year when he also got his first taste of coaching, working with the football and baseball programs. From 1955 through 1974, he taught Health, Physical Education and Driver's Education at Jonathan Dayton Regional. During his tenure he coached football, wrestling, track and golf - and served as a head coach in football, wrestling, and golf. While coaching football from 1954-1965, his 1951 team tied for the Group State Championship. Palmer left Jonathan Dayton Regional to become the assistant principal and athletics director at Hanover Park High School in East Hanover in 1974. During his years as head wrestling coach at Jonathan Dayton, Palmer's teams notched 100 wins (1955-64) and he coached 45 district and regional champions. He culminated his coaching career in wrestling with a fine 103-pounder, Ron Lucariello, who would place second in the state after a scoreless three periods and a scoreless overtime, losing on a referee's decision. Palmer became a wrestling official in 1954 and was an outstanding official who worked hundreds of dual meets along with the districts, several regions in the state and 10 years in the state championships in a 25-year officiating career. He also worked as a collegiate official 10 years, including an Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association Championship. Palmer served as President of the Union-Essex Wrestling Officials Chapter and also served five years as President of the New Jersey Wrestling Officials Association. He served as a member of the NJSIAA executive wrestling committee from 1982-89. An inductee into the Region III Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1991, Palmer received the prestigious Richard C. Mirshak Award for Excellence in Officiating in 1993. Palmer played a leading role in high school athletics in New Jersey. Among awards bestowed on Palmer were Outstanding Secondary School Educator, a Professional Achievement Award, several coaches' awards, and Administrator of the Year in 1989. He served as president of the Suburban Conference, Union County Athletic Conference, the Iron Hills Conference, and Morris County Ice Hockey League. The impact of Palmer on athletics in general and more specifically wrestling is well documented. He and a few of his colleagues were the backbone of officiating in northern New Jersey for many years. When Herb retired from officiating, he did not leave athletics. He played an active role in the expansion of female sports in high school and constantly pushed for rigorous academic standards to enhance high school participation. In 1974 he received a National Award for Outstanding Secondary Education. He was considered a gentleman who served as a teacher, coach, administrator and official. His primary objective was to serve the needs of the children he cam in contact with and he did his job well. In 1973, Palmer was inducted into the Maryville College Athletic Wall of Fame. Palmer passed away in November of 1994. Palmer and his wife Mary, who were married for 42 years, had two children, Herb Jr. and Betsy. They have one grandchild.