Tributes

Bernard Eugene Palmer "Bernie" After a courageous battle with Shy-Drager Syndrome, Mr. Palmer, 81, of Naugatuck, CT passed away Tuesday March 3, 2009 with family by his side in his home. Bernie was born March 4, 1927 to James Palmer and Theresa Coffey Palmer in Waterbury, CT. He was raised in Naugatuck, CT with his siblings. In 1947, at a barn dance, Bernie met Ann Olivieri whom he married a year later on October 2, 1948. They were married 61 years. Bernie and Ann were blessed with four children: Debbie, Bernie, Gary and Terry. Bernie served as a mechanic in the army during World War II. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Teamsters and Murrells Inlet Elks USA Lodge 2797. Bernie was well respected for his work as a mechanic and worked for Lombard Trucking Co. for 25 years. He also worked for the Naugatuck public school system. Upon retiring, Bernie moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where he could live out his passion for playing golf with his friends. Bernie was a devoted father who loved watching his sons play football, basketball and baseball. He was a fanatic golfer who drew great pride in playing with his daughter, sons and grandchildren. He also loved the entertainment of slot machines at the casinos in CT. An avid stock car fan, Bernie spent many nights racing his own car, with his family cheering him from the sidelines. Bernie's love for family never wavered and he frequently spoke of how lucky and blessed he was to have such a beautiful wife, four wonderful children, a caring son-in-law and three loving daughters-in-law. He adored his 8 grandchildren who knew him as "Pop" and made many visits to spend time with them. Bernie is survived by his wife, Ann; daughter Debbie and husband Tony Palermino of Newington, CT; son Bernard, Jr. and wife Monya of Mableton, GA; son Gary and wife Harlee of Charlotte, NC; son Dr.Terry Palmer and wife Roberta, of Cheshire, CT; eight grandchildren; Justin, Chris and Cory of Mableton; Gregory and Olivia of Cheshire; Natalee, Grant and Evelyn of Charlotte; sister, Theresa Green of Pembroke Pine, FL; sister, Bernadette White and husband Daniel White of Pembroke Pines, FL. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the Regency Hospice staff, including Judy, Latrese and Ellen; to Chaplain John and to Dr. Brumfield, for the devoted care and spiritual support given to Bernie and his family. A memorial service will be held at Island Green Amenity center on Friday from 2-4:00 PM with a reception following. The family welcomes memorials to a scholarship fund established in Bernie's honor: The Bernard and Ann Palmer Scholar Athlete Award. Donations may be sent in care of Rosemary Garbukas, NHS Scholarship Fund, 25 Briarwood Rd., Naugatuck, CT 06770.