George Henry Palmer, Jr., 84, of Hamden, passed away with family by his side, on Father's Day, June 18, 2023, at CT Hospice. He was born on February 6, 1939 in New Haven to the late George and Frances O'Hara Palmer. George was predeceased by the love of his life, Joyce Larkin Palmer, who recently passed away in March. They are now reunited and can celebrate their 64th wedding anniversary together at the end of June. George is survived by his two loving daughters, Joan Verrillo and her husband Paul of Cheshire and Kimberly Lynn and her husband Andrew of Hamden; six grandchildren, Christopher Culver, USAF and his wife Stephany of Guam, Nicholas Culver and his wife Brittany of Prospect, Jamie Lynn of W. Dover, VT, Jennie Lynn of Southington, Ryan Verrillo of Cheshire, and Leah LaPrade and her husband Chris of Plainville; and five great-grandchildren, Lucas, Gwen, Everly, Caden, and Wyatt Culver; siblings, Patricia Higgins, Sister Margaret Palmer, Clare Kanoff and her husband Kevin, and brother-in-law Jack Freeman. Also predeceased by his sister Frances Freeman, and brother-in-law Arthur Higgins.
After graduating from the University of New Haven, George was a computer programmer for the Knights of Columbus, where he met Joyce. He also worked for Mass Mutual, Stanley Works, and Cheeseborough Ponds. When not working, George was a Eucharistic Minister with Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. During his retirement years he worked for the census and thoroughly enjoyed walking neighborhoods to talk with people. He also enjoyed his part-time job at Beecher and Bennett, where he drove the flower car and helped the staff in any way possible.
Above all else, George was a devoted family man. He spent hours at the Hamden pool cheering on his daughters, was a supportive Hamden Heronettes parent for years, and was also able to be there for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No subject made him light up more, and he would be sure to share pictures of them from his phone and tell the latest story. Happiness for George was attending all of their sporting events and cheering them on! Old Orchard Beach, Maine was his happy place. After spending his childhood growing up in the Momauguin area of East Haven, the ocean held a special place in his heart. He eagerly visited The Edgewater with family for 27 years, the same week every year, and made many friends who would gather that same week. This tradition has remained for his family to still carry on.
Friends and relatives are invited to visit with George's family from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 23rd at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrating his life at 11:30 a.m. in St. Paul VI Parish-Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Burial in St. Lawrence Cemetery.