Stephen & Norma Palmer

Stephen Joseph Palmer passed away on January 17, 2020, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and his beloved wife, Norma (née Hargett) Louise Palmer, followed on January 6, 2025. Married for nearly 60 years after a whirlwind three-month courtship, their enduring partnership was a testament to love and devotion.

Stephen was born on Staten Island, NY and was a proud first-generation Polish American who served his country with distinction in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. After his military service, he pursued a diverse career that included roles as a disc jockey and announcer at WCPO and WKRC TV. He later worked for Major Sports Associates, traveling across the United States to produce and sell entertainment and sporting event coupon books. In 1970, Stephen settled in Cincinnati, where he and Norma founded Palmer Promotions in 1983. He successfully ran the business until passing it on to his son, Steve, in 1993. Stephen was also an avid tennis player, ham radio operator, and science enthusiast. Among his many accomplishments was producing the Peabody Award-winning documentary series *Escape from the Cage*, a groundbreaking exploration of mental illness and emerging therapies in the late 1950s.

Norma was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Among her many passions were reading, drawing, classical music and, most of all, her love of horticulture. A self-taught expert, she became a tour guide at Krohn Conservatory, served as President of the Cincinnati Civic Garden Center, and founded the Cincinnati Cactus and Succulent Society, serving as its first president. She also loved geology and proudly called herself a "Rock Hound." As a stay-at-home mother, she raised her children with dedication while rescuing cats and cultivating her own gardens. Known affectionately as "Giggles," she brightened every room with her humor and infectious laugh.

Stephen and Norma are survived by their children, Steve (Roberta) Palmer and Sardi Palmer; and grandchildren Corey Rhodes and Adam and Madison Palmer. Stephen's sister, Stella Genovese, Norma's sister Dorothy Borcherding, brother Jed Hargett, nieces Valerie Macarie, Veronica Hock, and Victoria Brown.

A Celebration of the Lives will be held on January 25, 2025, at Steve and Roberta's home at 5245 Indian Run, Cincinnati, OH 45243. Guests are invited to gather to visit from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a traditional Palmer family Polish Golompki and Chicken Chili buffet at 6:00 p.m.