John Francis Palmer

Cherished Husband

And Father

John Francis Palmer, 51, of Newtown, beloved husband of Eileen Palmer, died April 19, at Bridgeport Hospital. Mr Palmer was born October 5, 1958, in New Haven, and was raised there.

He attended the University of Connecticut where he obtained his BS degree in psychology. He also attended Southern Connecticut State University, and then graduated from Yale University Physician Associate Program.

Mr Palmer was employed at Bridgeport Hospital for 20 years. He began his career in the Cardiac Unit and quickly transitioned to the Burn Unit where he was truly dedicated to his patients, their families, the Burn Unit Community, and Bridgeport Hospital. He was instrumental in planning golf tournaments to benefit the Burn Unit. 

The Palmers met at the hospital and began their wonderful marriage on his birthday, October 5, 1991. They have treasured each and every day of their 19-year marriage. His sons, Ryan and Trevor, meant the world to him, and he was always so proud of their accomplishments.  He was truly devoted to his wife and sons.

In addition, Mr Palmer served in the US Army where he met his dear friend, Sally Dalton, and they continued their careers in the Burn Unit.

Mr Palmer was a gentle, quiet, caring, loving, and funny man. He enjoyed playing golf with his sons, and was an avid Mets and UConn Huskies fan.

 His loving wife, Eileen; their two cherished sons; his mother, Barbara Palmer; his twin James, and other siblings Barbara, Robert, and Mary and their spouses survive him. He is also survived by his mother-in-law; and a host of other relatives, as well as his extended family at Bridgeport Hospital.

The family thanks the entire staff of the Surgical ICU of Bridgeport Hospital for the extraordinary care and compassion given to Mr Palmer and the family. Many thanks to the extended family at Bridgeport Hospital for their support during this difficult time.  Mrs Palmer would like to thank her dear friend, Anna Mata, for her love and support during the last few weeks.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, April 24, at 11 am, in St Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown. Interment will follow in St Rose of Lima Cemetery, Black Cherry Road. Visiting hours will be Friday, April 23, from 4 to 8 pm, at the Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the John Palmer Memorial Fund at Bridgeport Hospital Federal Credit Union to benefit his children’s’ educations. Donations may be mailed to: Bridgeport Hospital Federal Credit Union, Attention Jennette, 267 Grant Street, Bridgeport CT  06610.

For further information visit spadaccinofuneralhome.com.

The Newtown Bee        April 23, 2010