John Palmer Obituary

PALMER, John V. John V. Palmer, 85, died on August 31, 2009 at the Grand Strand Regional Medical Center. He was born August 1, 1924 in Mount Vernon, NY. He was a World War II U.S. Air Force veteran. After training at the Scott Field, Illinois radio operator's school; he served with the First Air Commando Group in China, Burma and India. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, an Air Medal with two OLC, and three battle stars. His group was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation. Following the war, John attended the Fordham University School of Dramatic Arts and the School of Radio Technique in New York City and went on to a 42-year career in radio and television broadcasting. His first position was in radio at station WRCS in Ahoskie, NC. He was on the staff for the station's inaugural broadcast in May of 1948. In addition to his announcing duties, he was a music and program director. He also participated in town activities, including playing bass with the Ahoskie Quartet, which appeared at dances and variety shows. The high school football team made him an honorary member in recognition of his five years as the public address announcer for their games. His next career move was to Kingston, NY, where he was employed by station WKNY. This preceded his assignment to the staff of WKNY-TV. He took part in the station's first telecast, and as a staff member, he hosted interview, news and weather programs. He was appointed program director. In 1956, he joined the staff of WKNB-AM-TV in West Hartford. The television station later held call letters, WNBC; WHNB-TV; and WVIT. John was assigned to be host of the weekday movie program, "The Early Show." For his part in the presentation, he chose to use costumes and props in keeping with the theme of the movie being shown. His next hosting assignment was for the station's teen show, "Dance Time." He also produced weekly record hops at the Lake Compounce Amusement Park ballroom, in Bristol, which featured dance contests and appearances by popular recording artists. In 1962, readers of Movie and TV Screen magazine voted him "Personality of the Year." He was the station's commercial announcer for the Hartford Electric Light Company for ten years. He was a past president of the Connecticut Broadcasters Association and served on the board of directors of the West Hartford public access TV channel, and as a member of the blood services committee of the Greater Hartford Chapter of the American Red Cross. John was a lector at St. Brigid Church and emcee for several of the parish's annual variety shows. He enjoyed music, and all through his school and later years he played clarinet, saxophone and bass with dance orchestras. John retired as program manager of WVIT in 1990 and moved to Myrtle Beach, SC in 1994. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Rockledge Golf Club and the Rockledge Men's Club during residency in West Hartford, and of the Myrtlewood Golf Club and the Myrtlewood Senior Men's Golf Association in Myrtle Beach. John is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Ann; a son, Robert Palmer and his wife Lynne, of West Hartford; a daughter, Lynn Palmer, of Myrtle Beach; a grandson, Gregory Palmer, of Los Angeles, CA; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters, and three brothers. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, September 4, at McMillan-Small Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home. Interment will be held at a later date at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford, CT. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Andrews Catholic Church 508 – 37th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 or American Institute for Cancer Research 1759 R St. NW, PO Box 97167, Washington, DC 20090-7167. To view and sign the family's online guest book please go to www.msfh.net and follow the links provided. McMillan-Small Funeral Home has the honor of serving the family.

Published by Hartford Courant on Sep. 3, 2009.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Palmer

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I worked with John and Jerry Moring for 9 years in the 60s

Ray Bartolucci

August 16, 2019

Dear Ann
I have only just learned that my great friend has passed away. John gave me my start in television in June of 1971 and I will always be grateful that he took a chance with me. It has been wonderful staying in touch all these years and his life is a shining example for others to follow.
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Mike Watt

Mike Watt

October 12, 2009

To the Palmer Family: I just lost my Father Jerry Moring 2 months ago. He worked with John Palmer in the 1960's at Channel 30. I was a young girl but I remember him well. Handsome and funny! When Jerry died I thought of John and how they were true pioneers of early television. Its amazing to me that they left this earth at the same time...My thoughts & prayers are with you all.

Laura Moring Herold

Laura Herold

September 22, 2009

My sister in Spirit,
I didn't know your father personally, but you always brought him to life in my mind when you spoke of your love for him. Now he can watch from Heaven the antics of my boys without having to wait for me to remember to email their pictures! My heart is with you and your family at this time in your life. I love you.

Gina Ball

September 12, 2009

You're in my thoughts and prayers and, as always my dear friend Lynn, in my heart. Please remember that you are not alone at this sad time. Sending a hug and hopes to see you soon. In His Love, Debbie Patterson

Debbie Patterson

September 9, 2009

To Ann and family, The sad news just hit us yesterday here in Florida. Worked with John in the mid 1960s and quickly warmed to his professionalism and wonderful sense of humor. That Early Show stuff was a work of genius...he and Jerry Moring were a rare pair. I'm glad he met my old CBS colleague STeve Porter in Myrtle Beach. Steve was also very impressed as everyone else always was. Rest in Peace John. Don Blair, Venice, Fl.

September 6, 2009

For eight of the 30 years I spent in the TV business I had the good fortune of working with John.

He was considerate, caring and professional. A complete delight in and out of the workplace.

John often reminded me of one of our favorite golf stories. We played 54 holes at Avon one day with two gents from Boston. At the end of the day we had a contract to televise the Boston Red Sox as well as some hefty change in our pockets.

God bless you, John, and God bless you, Ann.

Pat Brady

September 4, 2009

Dear Ann-I was sorry to read of your loss. John was the delight of our youth with his imaginative presentations on The Early Show. I enjoyed meeting you and John when you were at the office in 1977. Please call me when things quiet down as I have the wills which you executed then and will want to handle them appropriately.--Pat Flaherty.

September 4, 2009

Ann,
As you well know we will miss John very much here at home, and also on the golf course.He is a good friend with all of us and knowing him he is looking down on us and smileing with gladness and love in his heart knowing there is no more pain and misery for him. We loved him very much.

Jim Rippy (next door neighbor)

September 4, 2009

September 04, 2009
Dear Mrs. Palmer and Family,
As one of the regulars (as we were called) on "Dance Time," and frequent
attendee at the Thursday night dances
at Lake Compounce, I will always
remember Johnny and how he made us
teenagers feel welcome with his warm, fun personality. (Wish those tapes
were still available) I'm glad to have
known him. You and your family will be
in my thoughts and prayers.

Yolande (Lonni) Bos (maiden name Pageotte)

September 4, 2009

Lynne my long time friend since we've been here in Myrtle Beach. I am so sorry your father has passed away. But we both know he is absent from the body and now present with the Lord. But I'm sure it is still not easy he has left his earthly family. May God keep you and your family in perfect peace during these trying times, in Jesus Mighty Holy Name, Amen !!

Gwendolyn Blizzard

September 3, 2009

I certaintly remember john's engaging smile and personality from the ROCK days! A class act.
rest in peace.
joe hayes
port st lucie ,fl

September 3, 2009

Dear Ann, Bob, & the Palmer family.
So sorry to hear about John. Having known and worked with him for so many years, I saw a man who cared deeply about his family and friends and one who did his job in such a professional way that it impacted all of us here at TV/30. I always felt John was in my corner no matter how badly I might have messed up. I will always appreciate that.
Ann, Bob, and the entire Palmer family...my deepest sympathy.
Tom Monahan

September 3, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ The Fox Family

September 3, 2009

Every time I think about John, I see his smile. I can't imagine a nicer way to remember someone.

My thoughts are with Ann, Bob, and the entire family.

Gerry Brooks

September 3, 2009

This morning's Hartford COURANT provided the sad news about Johnny -- one of Connecticut's premier TV personalities. He now joins Bob Bray, Barry Barents, and Cavell Jobert in the pantheon of top stars who led TV/30 through its formative years. He led a good life, and made life in broadcasting better for all of us who had the honor of working with him.

Bill Hennessey

September 3, 2009

Lynn and Family,

Our prayers are with you in your time of grief. It is our hope your hearts will be filled with the wonderful memories of his many accomplishments. Celebrate a life well lived and cherish the memories forever.

Joe and Joyce Emma

September 2, 2009

Dear Mrs. Palmer & Family: you have our deepest sympathy. God Bless you all. The Staff at Covenant Towers.

Denise@Covenant Towers

September 2, 2009

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